RESIDENTS are still kicking up a stink about a sewage smell which they say has lingered for 20 years.

Fresh calls for action have been made as residents in Rowhedge have had enough of the “rotten egg” smell.

Environmental control officers from Colchester Council had a nose around in 2005 but could not get to the bottom of the smell.

Officers checked the Haven Road sewage treatment works and gave it the all-clear. Still the nasty smell has lingered and Rowhedge councillor Mike Lilley said enough is enough.

He said: “Depending on what way the wind blows it can hit all kinds of areas. Most of the time it’s Speedwell Road and it’s horrendous.

“We get everyone to report it to Anglian Water and the Environment Agency but nothing has ever been done.”

He has asked for a report to be compiled by environment officers at Colchester Council.

He said: “It will give us an idea of what has happened over the past 20 years and what the situation is with air quality.

“Hopefully the report will go to scrutiny panel and we can bring Anglian Water and the Environment Agency in to ask them why there is such a stench.

“It’s not good enough in this day and age when we talk about air quality.”

The smell also hits the Old Heath and Hythe areas.

An Anglian Water spokesperson said: “We’re always working to ensure we’re good neighbours and we’re keen to address the concerns raised about odours from our Water Recycling Centre in Colchester.

“Odours are often more noticeable when the weather is warmer.

“The nature of the work we do means odours are not uncommon when working with waste water and we are always trying to minimise instances wherever we possibly can.

“We have successfully installed odour control systems and suppressants on site to ensure odours are kept to an absolute minimum wherever possible. We are also working closely with the council to monitor any complaints about the site.”

A spokesperson from the Environment Agency said: “Haven Road has two sewage facilities.

“There is a sludge treatment plant which is regulated by the Environment Agency and there is a sewage treatment plant which is regulated by the local authority.

“We last received an odour report for that area in May and sent an officer to carry out an investigation but there was no sign of any odour on this date.We continue to carry out routine inspections of the site.”

A Colchester Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of an ongoing issue regarding odour in Haven Road and the vicinity, which is why we continue to monitor the situation and have regular meetings with Anglian Water, most recently in late July.”