The refuse company at the centre of a rubbish collection row in West Sussex says its top priority is that residents do not lose out.

Onyx, which empties bins in the Littlehampton, Arundel and Bognor area, announced this week that it was walking out on its contract with Arun District Council because it was losing money.

The authority is holding urgent talks to solve the row and prevent rubbish piling up in the streets.

In a statement issued today, Onyx said: "Onyx and Arun council have been discussing the future of the waste management contract for a number of months.

"Onyx intends to exit the contract and discussions are taking place on how to proceed.

"The main priority for both Onyx and Arun council is to provide continuity of service and both are committed to this objective."

The firm's decision leaves the council with two options - to bring the service back in-house or call in a private contractor under emergency procedures.

Arun services director Colin Rogers said the council had until July 1, when Onyx collections will stop, to make alternative arrangements for street collection and cleaning.

He reassured residents concerned their bins would not be emptied that a regular refuse collection would continue.