How it pays to be filthy rich ...

For the pumping station has just been sold at auction - for seven times its expected price.

The unusual property at Upper Beeding was put up for sale with a freehold guide price of £10,000 plus.

But the pumping station - which produces an annual income of £10,400 - finally went under the hammer for £70,000.

The station provides a sewage service to 40 properties at Dacre Gardens, Upper Beeding, with each house contributing an annual payment to cover the costs of servicing, maintenance and removal.

It was among lots being sold by regional land and property auctioneers Clive Emson. Auctioneer Richard Payne said: “This unusual lot generated a great deal of interest.

“With the attraction of an annual income, there was strong bidding across the sales floor before the gavel finally came down at £70,000.”

The pumping station sits on a 0.05-acre plot and is accessed through a gate on a private road.