Mystery 'stench' plaguing UK town is so bad residents can't open their windows

07 October 2023 , 16:29

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An 'ongoing investigation' is taking place over a strange stench found in Brightlingsea (file) (Image: Getty Images)

A mystery stench has seen a council accused of massive failings over their inability to remove a foul odour from the beaches.

Brightlingsea, Essex, is holding out hope with an "ongoing investigation" into the putrid smell, though the grim whiff has been around for more than a year. The cause is so far unknown and complaints over the smell have led to more than 30 visits from officers attempting to uncover the source. Tendring Council is now facing calls of failure to properly address the problem, with a halt on monitoring activities announced in July. The debate over whether to continue keeping tabs on the stench was brought to the council by councillor Matt Court.

Councillors rallied around the 'matter of public health' issue in a recent meeting (file) (Geography Photos/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Speaking to cabinet on Friday over the stench, he said: "When the proactive investigation closed we were promised reactive visits would take place, not forms handed out. The people affected by this are united and the problem is real and the message from us is clear please don’t be part of the problem be the solution." Reports of foul smells included 32 complaints total on June 20 alone. Since the end of June, a further 12 complaints were submitted, EssexLive reported.

A nearby waste disposal site was mentioned by cabinet member for environment Councillor Mike Bush, who said: "Should residents be able to furnish officers with a witness report, diaries evidence in dates and times over how they are affected by these odours of course this will be followed up reviewed by the environmental team."

The petition from Mr Court had read: "The persistent stench that has plagued the residents of Brightlingsea for over a year is more than just a nuisance, it's a matter of public health, well-being, and the quality of life for every person living and working in the affected area, including the school which has its main playing field nearby.

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"It has turned what should be a pleasant environment into a place where people cannot even open their windows or spend time outside without discomfort. The initial investigation by Tendring District Council was a step in the right direction, but the premature closure of the investigation without finding a source or solution is deeply disappointing and frankly, unacceptable. This decision gives the impression of a council that is either unable or unwilling to fully address the problem, which is a disservice to the people it is supposed to represent and protect."

Chief Executive of Trending Council Ian Davidson said: "Please don’t feel we are walking away from it or washing our hands of it. That is not the case. It is the case of understanding what we can take and our powers are limited unless we know that. But we should not lose sight that Brightlingsea is a fantastic place to visit and it should not undermine people’s confidence in that."

Piers Meyler