Our city is ruined by disgusting STENCH – we have to keep our windows shut at all times and we can’t even go to the park
A UK city stinks of “sewage and rotten eggs” – forcing residents to keep their windows closed and stopping them from going outside.
Locals living near Camel’s Head in Plymouth blame a nearby sewage treatment plant for the foul air.
Councillor Kevin Sproston told a city council meeting that children have stopped using parks, and people are keeping their homes sealed during the summer.
“It’s becoming a huge problematic issue,” he said.
Another site int he city, Marsh Mills, has its own nickname: the “Plympton Pong.”
The stink there has been reported for years and even hit national headlines.
Residents say it’s worst on hot days, when the smell seeps into homes first thing in the morning.
“You wake up and it hits you,” said one local.
“You can’t open a window, and the kids don’t even want to play outside anymore.”
The council’s scrutiny panel is now calling for a full investigation into the impact of all five treatment sites in the area.
South West Water admits some of the plants were built long before houses were nearby.
“We do use chemicals to reduce odours,” said director Mark Worsfold.
“And we track every complaint.”
South West Devon MP Rebecca Smith said the Marsh Mills site is currently underused – and that’s part of the problem.
With fewer people flushing into the system, sewage flows more slowly, causing smells to build up.
The company has now applied for permission to expand the site to handle more water and reduce spills.
Locals say something needs to be done – fast.
“We shouldn’t have to live like this,” said one resident. “It’s disgusting.”
The Sun approached South West Water for comment.