FOUL smelling sewage which has left residents in despair is to be confronted by councillors who have vowed to take a major water company to task.

Residents in the Hythe are at their wit’s end over the smell emanating from the sewage treatment plant on Haven Road.

Colchester councillors have said they are so frustrated by the action they are looking to put a dossier of evidence together so legal action can be taken against Anglian Water.

Lee Scordis, Fay Smalls and Mike Lilley, who are representatives for Old Heath and the Hythe, have created a survey to gather evidence from residents about how frequently they are having to put up with the stench.

Mr Scordis went as far as saying the water company had been responsible for “decades of failure” on the issue.

He said: “We hope to gather enough evidence to allow the council to take action against Anglian Water for their decades of failure to deal with this issue.

“A minimal number of people complain about the smell as they see no action taken so the council does not have the evidence to begin legal proceedings. 

Gazette: Kicking up a stink – Old Heath and the Hythe councillors want to put together evidence which could lead to legal action against Anglian WaterKicking up a stink – Old Heath and the Hythe councillors want to put together evidence which could lead to legal action against Anglian Water (Image: Lee Scordis)

“We hope this survey will provide us with that evidence.”

Mr Lilley added: “We know that the site, having visited it a few years ago, is full of old and malfunctioning equipment and has not been invested in by Anglian Water. 

“Our bills have gone up but we see no investment the site, which will need to factor in the growth in Colchester.”

Responding to the councillors’ criticism, an Anglian Water spokesman said residents can call them if they notice a spike in odours.

He said: "Our Colchester water recycling centre receives tens of thousands of litres of sewage every day, so keeping odours to a minimum is something we take seriously.

"Our teams use special equipment and chemicals to stop unpleasant smells escaping into the air as much as possibl, and we are investing in a new odour control unit to continue to minimise smells in the area.

"The nature of the site and the job it’s there to do mean there will inevitably be some smells from time to time.

"But we want to be the best neighbours we can and if customers notice a spike in odours, they can contact us via Facebook or through our customer services number on 03457 145 145."