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Sulphur smell report near burst pipe sparks probe

George Carden/BBC A big tanker on a country lane which has a metal tank - there is a pipe connected to a yellow generator which is connected to the pumping station. The tanker is making sure people can use their toilets and sinks George Carden/BBC
Several tankers have been collecting sewage in Almodington

A water company is investigating after a man living near a burst sewage pipe reported sulphur odours coming into his home.

Several tankers have been collecting sewage in Almodington, near Bracklesham Bay in West Sussex, after a pipe burst on 30 December.

Resident Jon Giles reported the strong smells inside his home and took his children to a neighbouring property.

Southern Water said in a statement: "We are carrying out investigations into reports of sulphur and methane odours reported by a household at Almodington Lane."

Methane can become an asphyxiate in high concentrations, which is dangerous to humans. No readings have yet been done in the area.

Mr Giles said: "We had to get my children out the house to a neighbouring property.

"My wife and I tried to get a hotel but couldn't find one because it was late.

"We stayed in a room of the house and blocked off a window and the vents."

George Carden/BBC Jon Giles standing in his garden wearing a grey jumper looking at the camera with a furrowed brow. He has grey hair George Carden/BBC
Jon Giles reported the smell of sulphur in his home to Southern Water

Inhaling sulphur dioxide causes irritation to the nose, eyes, throat, and lungs.

The gas is often compared to the smell of rotten eggs or cabbage. Methane is colourless and odourless but both gases are found in sewers.

Tankers were first spotted in Bracklesham in the early hours of 30 December and still remain in the area.

Southern Water said the work by the tankers ensures residents can flush their toilets and use their sinks.

A spokesperson for the water company said: "We're sorry for the disruption caused by a burst sewer at Almodington Lane over the last few days.

"Our teams have been working around-the-clock to help mitigate the environmental impact of this and carry out a repair."

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