This is the cause of the mysterious foul smell plaguing Worthing and Lancing

East Worthing and Shoreham MP, Tim Loughton, joined councillor Keith Bickers in a visit to East Worthing Wastewater Treatment Works to track down the source of the stench.

In a video update on his social media page, Mr Loughton said 'scum' had been forming at the top of wastewater tanks on the site which would ordinarily have sank to the bottom of the silo.

"There is a bit of a smell, and they have admitted there is a bit of a smell," he said.

However, the company said it had not 'fully got to the bottom' of why the scum was forming on top of the tank, he added.

Southern Water, which operates the site, has agreed to remove the layer of scum and treat it with a purifying substance to give a 'sea breeze' scent, according to Mr Loughton.

Mr Loughton said he had also suggested the company engage better with the public to keep them up to date with goings-on, to save smells such as this remaining a mystery.

He also suggested groups of residents and businesses, particularly from Lancing Business Park which was particularly afflicted by the stench, should be given tours of the facility.

According to Southern Water's website, the facility treats an average of 30million litres of wastewater every day - rising to over 70million during wet weather.