A FOUL stench made an unwelcome return to Colchester forcing residents to shut their windows at night despite the heat.

Colchester Council stated it received several complaints about the odour over the weekend, yet no-one has stepped forward to take responsibility for it.

Anglian Water has pumped millions into fixing the issue, but denied the latest pong had anything to do with its sewage treatment works in Haven Road.

But Old Heath, Hythe and Rowhedge councillor Lee Scordis argued the “rotten cabbage” scent was, in fact, emanating from the plant.

Gazette: Centre - Anglian Water's sewage treatment works in ColchesterCentre - Anglian Water's sewage treatment works in Colchester

“It’s a smell coming from the sewage plant, for which we haven’t been given a reason yet but it’s usually out of date technology failing,” said Mr Scordis.

“This happens every summer, certainly for at least 30 days a year. The smell can depend on which way the wind is travelling and so, arguably, it happens every day.

“It smells like rotten cabbages and this time it was enveloping the whole of New Town as it blows across from Old Heath and the Hythe.

“People have their windows open at night because of the heat and have to go to bed smelling that.”

Gazette: Smell - Mike Lilley and Lee ScordisSmell - Mike Lilley and Lee Scordis

An Anglian Water spokeswoman said there are other contributing factors to odour in the area, noting the Colne estuary near the site as a possible source.

She stated: “Our teams have been odour testing over the last week and haven’t found any issue, however with the hot weather and the nature of the works there will be odour at certain times.”

Gazette readers should contact the firm on 03457 145 145 if they notice smells at its centre so it can investigate them, she added.

Gazette: Pong - the HythePong - the Hythe (Image: Newsquest)

A Colchester Council spokeswoman said its Environmental Protection team is looking into the issue.

“Our Environmental Protection team received several complaints of odour possibly coming from the sewage works over the weekend,” she said.

“Complaints of odour from sewage works are more likely during warm dry spells, however we have been in contact with Anglian Water and they have advised they aren’t aware of any mechanical issues that might be causing the smell and are actively taking steps to minimise odour.”