A foul stench over Leigh that makes residents feel sick today prompted calls for an inquiry.

Commuters could be seen walking up Belton Way from the station with their hands over their mouths because the putrid odour was so bad.

Ray Saunt, of Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, said the strong sulphur smell had reared its ugly head three times this week alone and yesterday was by far the worst.

He said: "It was extremely bad between 7am and 8.30am and it was enough to make me and my wife almost sick.

"You get this from time to time, but it has never been as bad as this, even with the doors and windows closed it filled the house."

Geoff Fulford, town clerk of Leigh Town Council, said: "Occasionally people ring up complaining about smells in the area, but we don't know where they come from."

A spokeswoman for Southend Council said they were not aware of any complaints about smells in Leigh, but encouraged people to contact the environmental services department if there were any problems.

Published Friday August 20, 2004

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