Residents say 'terrible smell' is getting worse

Residents in Netherfield have said a "terrible sewage smell" in the area has got worse, despite repeated complaints to local authorities.

Locals blame a nearby sewage works and a pet food factory, saying the odour has been affecting the area for years, but has become stronger and more frequent in recent months.

Dr Seyi Awoku, who moved to Netherfield eight months ago, has found the smell so bad he would not have moved if he had known about the problem.

The Environment Agency said it was investigating whether any regulated sites were contributing to the issue and would take action where necessary.

Awoku, 48, said he and his family have had to keep their windows and doors shut during hot weather to avoid the stench.

"The smell is so terrible that every time we come home, we run inside the house and shut all the windows because it's so bad," he added.

"It's been so frustrating for us because we've only just moved here. If we'd known it would be like this, we wouldn't have come to the area. We don't know who to complain to.

"No-one warned us about the smells. When we arrived, we found ourselves having to keep the windows closed and plug in lots of odour eliminators to try and cover it up.

"We've not enjoyed our summer because of the smell. We've had to spend most of our time indoors.

"My children should be able to sleep with the windows open to get some fresh air during the summer, but instead they keep them shut because the smell is so bad. At times, it makes you feel like vomiting."

Resident Morgan Guy said she could no longer enjoy spending time at home because of the odour outside.

"It's definitely got a lot worse. Some days you can't even have your windows open because it's so horrible.

"Sometimes it smells like sewage, and other times there's a meaty smell. Either way, it's not pleasant," the 28-year-old said.

She added: "We've got a residents' Facebook group, and complaints about the smell are a constant topic of discussion, with people regularly reporting it to the council."

A Severn Trent spokesperson said previous odour complaints may have been linked to planned works at its Stoke Bardolph site in May. They said measures were taken to reduce the smell and recent inspections found no ongoing issues, although other possible sources are being investigated.

The Environment Agency said it fully understood the unpleasantness of the odour issues. It confirmed it was investigating complaints in Stoke Bardolph, Netherfield and Colwick, and working to establish whether any regulated sites were contributing to the problem.

Gedling Borough Council said officers had carried out regular visits, including out-of-hours inspections, but had not found odours at a level that would justify formal enforcement action. The council said several businesses in the area could generate smells and that occasional odours were unavoidable given their proximity to homes.

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