A water company has apologised to businesses for disruption caused by ongoing work.

South East Water made a statement about disruption to residents and businesses of Lindfield, near Haywards Heath, after construction of a new £1 million pipeline began earlier this month at the upper end of the village's High Street.

Businesses had been complaining that signs around the works were causing visitors and shoppers to mistakenly think that the High Street was closed off completely.

The water firm have responded by creating 18 additional new signs, which were put in place on Monday to make it clear those wishing to shop in Lindfield can still do so and that businesses are open as usual.

The work in High Street and Ardingly Road is expected to take 13 weeks to complete.

Chris Love, delivery manager at South East Water, said: “We do not want to cause concern to local communities while we undertake work and will continue to work with local residents and businesses throughout this project.

“We are sorry for the disruption this important work is causing, our contractors are working extended hours, seven days a week to ensure this project is completed as quickly as possible.”