Worthing council has vowed to clean up a rubbish-filled alleyway after The Argus intervened.

People living and working in Tarring Road, Worthing, said the alleyway, which backs on to their properties and which runs between Downview Road and Eton Road, is a rubbish tip.

They said it smelled and they have seen rats running down it.

The storm drain in the alleyway was clogged up with leaves and rubbish which made the area flood with rainwater during bad weather.

Resident Lorraine Turner, said she had telephoned the council but nothing had been done.

She said: "It seems the problem is with the cleansing department. The alleyway is supposed to be cleaned every two weeks but they haven't cleaned it in months.

"It's disgusting. We have seen rats and it floods when there is bad weather. In the autumn it is like a quagmire."

Adam Hawes, a director of Marshall's carpet warehouse which backs onto the alleyway, said: "If it is a problem with our vehicles being parked here then all the roadsweepers have to do is ask us to move them.

"We would be happy to move them if it meant the alleyway was kept clean."

He said: "Even when we put all our rubbish in the bins the wind sweeps it up and scatters it down the alleyway."

Roger Pearl, owner of Phase 3 Hi Fi, said he was ashamed to let his customers park in the alleyway to pick up goods.

He said: "Surely it should be cleaned. Isn't this why we pay council tax?"

Paul Kempsell, head of contract services at Worthing Borough Council, said the alleyway would be cleaned up.

He said: "The cleansing manager is aware of the problem. We have had problems with staff shortages but the alleyway will be cleaned up today."