Artifical pongs will be sent out from a sewage plant to test monitoring equipment.

The smells will be released at Southern Water's wastewater treatment works in Ford, near Littlehampton, for short periods over the next week. They will not take place at evenings or weekends.

Over the summer, Southern Water installed equipment to monitor smells from the works.

Nev James, Southern Water's wastewater operations manager, said: "These tests are essential to ensure that the new monitoring equipment is working as it should do. It is part of an overall programme to improve management of smells at the site. We will make every effort to minimise any impact on the local community and appreciate our customers' co-operation and patience while we carry out this work."

Friday, October 7 2005