Health officers are failing to keep up with their workload, according to a new report.

The pressure on the environmental health department of Worthing Borough Council is said to be adversely affecting morale.

A report to be considered by councillors on Thursday said there were a number of unfilled posts in the department, which was putting a significant strain on the service provided.

The stage had been reached where the department could no longer carry out all of its duties, laying itself open to criticism.

This year it was expected that only 75 per cent of food outlets due for inspection would receive a visit.

Less than 50 per cent of the necessary health and safety visits will be carried out.

Now the council is being urged to recruit more staff in a bid to solve the problem.