A FOUL stench made an unwelcome return to Colchester leaving residents holding their noses to cope with the pungent pong.

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

The smell has been ongoing issue since the plant opened in 1971 despite Anglian Water pumping millions into fixing the issue.

Fed up residents took to social media claiming the ‘stench’ has gotten worse in the last few weeks.

Hythe resident, Libby Johnston has lived in the city for more than ten years and says the smell is worse than ever. 

“I have lived here a while, but something has happened these past two weeks,” she said.

“The stench is going further and is considerably strong.

“Normally the smell passes, but there is certainly something going on.”

In 2022, Colchester councillor Lee Scordis pushed for an investigation into sewage at the Hythe due to residents concerns at the time, and also called for an easier way for residents to report issues. 

Mr Scordis said now was the time for action.

He said: “This year we have had fewer complaints due to a wet summer.

“But it is clear Anglian Water has still failed to invest in this site, with machinery regularly not working or breaking down.

“We urge all residents affected by the smell to report this to Anglian Water and Colchester Council. 

“Without enough reports Colchester Council will not be able to pursue action.”

An Anglian Water spokesman said the team was trying its best to keep the smell to a minimum.

They 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 possible, and we have recently installed a new odour control unit to the site, as well as carry out regular odour testing.

“Due to the nature of the site and the job it’s there to do, there will inevitably be some smells from time to time, but we want to be the best neighbours we can.

"If customers notice a spike in odours, they can contact us via Facebook or through our customer services number: 03457 145 145.”