More than 2,000 people have made comments on eight possible sites for a sewage treatment works.

Southern Water has consulted the public about its proposals for the new plant to take waste from the Brighton and Hove area.

Now the company will carry out detailed investigation work on the shortlisted sites.

Environmental surveys are required before it can decide on which one to submit a planning application.

Noise monitoring and, where necessary, geological surveys will be carried out at each site.

The surveys will involve using small drilling rigs to determine ground conditions. Noise monitoring will be carried out over a longer period.

Major projects manager Damon Elliott: "We are delighted to have received more than 2,000 responses during the public consultation and would like to thank the more than 1,500 people who took the time to visit our exhibitions.

"All the comments will be taken into account as we work towards selecting a preferred site on which to submit a planning application in late spring 2003.

The shortlisted sites are Shoreham Harbour; Black Rock and Kemp Town gasworks; Lower Sheepcote Valley; Upper Sheepcote Valley; Ovingdean South; Peacehaven East; Brookside Farm Tip, Newhaven and North Quay, Newhaven.

Southern Water had to prepare the plan after a public inquiry dismissed its original plans to expand the existing site at Portobello, Telscombe Cliffs.

When the Hastings scheme comes on line shortly, Brighton and Hove will be the only coastal resort in Sussex not to benefit from modern wastewater treatment.

Mr Elliott said: "This scheme is vital for Brighton and Hove as a whole and it must be everyone's intention to find a solution to this difficult issue as quickly as possible.

"The works has to go somewhere. It is not an option to sit back and do nothing."