Sewer system being pushed to limit - MP

The pressure put on a sewer system on a West Sussex peninsula is "alarming", the MP for Chichester has said after a sewage main burst.

Liberal Democrat Jess Brown-Fuller said the system was being pushed to its "absolute limit" and the sight of tankers in Almodington, Birdham, Bracklesham and the Witterings on the Manhood Peninsula is a "familiar sight for locals" when there is "an increased amount of rainfall".

At least six tankers were spotted in Almodington at about 04.30 GMT on Monday, which residents said were blocking Almodington Lane.

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government said it had "inherited the worst housing crisis in living memory", while Southern Water apologised for the disruption.

"Tankers remain in use in the area, to ensure that customers can continue to flush their toilets and use their sinks," said Southern Water.

"We are doing everything we can to minimise their impact on local roads while this urgent work is carried out."

Posting on Facebook, Ms Brown-Fuller wrote: "This is yet another alarming example of a sewer system being pushed to the absolute limits, with a lack of infrastructure along the peninsula to cope with the increased road usage from the tankers.

"Most importantly, the 58% increase in government mandated housing targets are a huge cause for concern and this Labour government seem resolute in ignoring our cries for greater protections against large scale development with no infrastructure or protections for our natural environment."

A government spokesperson said: "We have inherited the worst housing crisis in living memory and all areas must play their part as we deliver 1.5 million homes as part of our Plan for Change.

"Our ambitious plans to provide the housing we need will not come at the expense of the environment, and we will take a brownfield-first approach to building, so sites which people are desperate to see used will be developed first."

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