RESIDENTS and councillors are urging Southend Council to get to the bottom of "highly unpleasant" smells which are circulating around the town.

According to Daniel Cowan, councillor for St Laurence ward, residents have been complaining to him on a daily basis about the smell, which varies from "faecal matter" to "decomposing rubbish and food". 

The Labour councillor told the Echo that the smell is very unpleasant. He said: "It's been lingering for the last year.

"This summer has been particularly bad.

"The odour is very strong. I've smelt it myself.

"It can be weather dependent and on the direction of the wind but residents are telling me about it everyday.

"There are three industrial sites that it could be coming from. One on Eastern Avenue and two on Stock Road.

"Trucks are coming into them from further afield."

Mr Cowan explained how Southend Council are working to solve the issue.

He added: "I'm working with environment officers from the council.

"We need to locate where the smell is coming from and how best to deal with it."

Southend Council has been contacted for a comment.

Have you smelt the odour?