Ditchling traffic disruption

Southern Water has apologised for ‘continued disruption’ to traffic in Ditchling after the company’s initial work to clear an 80-metre fatberg in a sewer pipe under East End Lane and Lewes Road.

A Southern Water spokesperson said the company must now undertake a ‘deep excavation’ to repair a section of pipe.

They said: “We put a camera in the pipeline to investigate and survey its condition, and identified a defect located in a section of pipe below the housing development site at 61 Lewes Road, which is restricting normal sewer flows.”

“At eight metres down this pipeline sits deeper than usual,” said the spokesperson, adding that additional measures will be needed to reach the pipe.

“We need to undertake an extensive and very deep excavationinthedevelopment site area,” they said.

They added: “Current plans are to mobilise our teams and equipment to start work on Thursday, February 17. Once set-up we anticipate that the work will be completed by mid to end March.”

Southern Water said they are working hard to maintain wastewater flows during this time so properties can keep using kitchens and bathrooms as normal.

“Tankers and an overland pumping system are being used to do this, which requires traffic management on East End Lane and Lewes Road for safety,” said the spokesperson.

“We are very sorry for the inconvenience caused to residents and road users, and thank everyone for their ongoing patience.”