Villagers' despair at rural pong

People living around Stoulton, Hawbridge and Wadborough, near Worcester, started smelling what one person bluntly described as “urine and cow dung” and “worse than a men’s lavatory” some weeks ago.

While people in the area are used to the expected and occasional whiff caused by muck-spreading, the stink is without comparison, according to the villagers, who have complained to their councillor, sparking an investigation by environmental health officers.

Councillor Paul Middlebrough, who represents their area on Wychavon District Council, said: “I’ve had complaints from businesses having to temporarily shut because the smell was so bad.

“You can’t be in your garden when the smell blows across.

“They had to cancel the pilates class at the village hall in Stoulton last week because it got so bad.”

In response, Worcestershire Regulatory Services started probing a suspected statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) in the area.

Steve Jorden, Worcestershire Regulatory Services (WRS) chief, said they had had a series of complaints about the smell coming from one site, and were speaking with the farmer to solve the problem.

“We are satisfied the problem is coming from this farm and we have spoken with the land-owner,” said Mr Jorden.

“We understand that farmers do need to fertilise their soil but especially where there are residents this close by, it can cause a real problem with smell – and we try to work with both parties.

“People will put up with a few days’ smell but this issue has gone on so long it has needed our involvement.”

Officers meeting with the farmer on Thursday said they had identified the cause of the stench as a slurry pit.

“The meeting with the farmer was extremely constructive,” said a WRS spokeswoman.

“The farmers have agreed to give us notice of any further works so we can liaise with residents, and so the work does not take place on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday.”