A SMELL-O-METER will be installed near a sewage works after residents complained about the stench.

People living close to the pumping station, in Cherry Tree Avenue, Clacton, say the smell is making their lives a misery.

Anglian Water has agreed to install an “odour-logging system” for two weeks to ascertain how bad the problem is.

Lesley Barlow, who lives on Cherry Tree Avenue, said: “It is something I have lived with for so long, and it stinks.

“It is horrible living with this stench day after day. Some days it is worse than others, but I can always smell it.

“I just hope Anglian Water will admit there is a problem.”

Chris Griffiths, district and county councillor for West Clacton, said: “It is like living next door to a toilet, and it is totally unacceptable people should have to put up with it.

He said the problem affects a wide area, including Cherry Tree Road, West Avenue and the Martello Bay, as well as Jaywick village and the Tudor Estate.

Mr Griffiths added: “Depending on which way the wind is blowing depends on who has the pleasure of smelling it.”

Colette Nicholls, media manager for Anglian Water, said: “We will be able to see what is happening from the odour-logging system.”