Sompting villagers plagued by rat-run drivers have joined forces in a bid to reclaim their narrow street.

People living in West Street have formed a residents' association after witnessing irate motorists almost coming to blows outside their homes.

Association secretary Rosemary Alcock said she regularly heard foul language as drivers refused to give way.

Mrs Alcock said: "We moved here 12 years ago when it was a quiet street. Now it's a nightmare. There is constant road rage because drivers won't wait to go past parked cars in the road.

"I have seen drivers getting out of their cars and shouting. It's terrible at times."

About 50 residents, representing 37 homes in the street, attended the inaugural meeting of the association and another meeting is planned for January 7, at the Marquis Of Granby pub, Sompting.

East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tim Loughton is expected to attend with parish, district and county councillors.

Motorists travelling west on the A27 use West Street to avoid getting caught at the Lyons Farm traffic lights at Worthing.

Mrs Alcock said West Sussex County Council's highways authority had suggested making the street one-way, with traffic going from east to west.

But residents believed this was a ridiculous idea because most of the traffic comes from the east and the road would simply become a race track.

Mrs Alcock said she had seen lorries using the street, which was plagued by noise and exhaust fumes.

The association wants No Entry signs put up in Church Lane and Dankton Lane.