ANGRY residents last night accused Southern Water of putting profits before safety in the row over the Portobello sewage outlet at Telscombe.

More than 150 people attended a public meeting at the Meridian Community Hall in Peacehaven to outline their fears. They were joined by representatives from Southern Water, industry regulator Ofwat and the Environment Agency. Residents are furious over Southern Water's plans to upgrade the sewage plant at Telscombe Cliffs. They are calling for top-level ultra-violet treatment to be used at the outlet, but Southern Water says that would mean water bills rising. Don Burrell, chairman of Saltdean Residents' Association, told the meeting: "We have to stop looking at profit all the time and look at people's quality of life instead." Mr Burrell also questioned whether the outlet should be built at Telscombe, claiming the extra lorries would bring chaos to the coast road. Southern Water managing director Stewart Derwent insisted the company was not simply protecting its own profits. He said: "We make a lot of profit - that is true. But the majority is poured straight back in." Brighton Kemp Town MP Des Turner is backing residents in their fight.

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