Finally, the waxy oily substance that has been washed up on many of the South Coast beaches has been identified as a waxy mineral oil, probably washed out by a vessel cleaning its tanks at sea! Full report contained within the following link. Adur-Worthing Councils predict a clean up to start on Feb 1st once Storm Gertrude has abated

http://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/news/pr16-011.html