Jobs and investment at Southend's most prestigious company could be under threat if a new sewage disposal plant goes ahead.

KeyMed's multi-million pound expansion has been put on ice over fears of putrid smells from the planned new plant neighbouring its complex in Stock Road.

Anglian Water wants to build the new sludge dewatering plant at its Stock Road works and plans to close a pipeline to take sewage to Stambridge for treatment, built only five years ago.

Mike Batty, head of group facilities at KeyMed, which employs more than 700 people, said: "Already there are problems with the high level of very large bluebottles in the area around the Stock Road plant.

"These are not only dirty and disgusting but also carry germs and disease with pose risks to health.

"If there is an increase in smells because of the new plant, the message which this will send out to doctors and other medical professionals who visit KeyMed regularly could be a major cause of concern."

Anglian Water pledged to control odours if its plan is given the go ahead by Southend Council.

A spokesman said: "We believe we have made every effort in our submission to ensure there is adequate control on any odour emissions from the both the existing and the new plant."