Villagers have called for action after claiming their lives have been blighted by an obnoxious smell from a nearby farm.

Farmer Graham Bunting, who owns the fields on Sheepcotes Farm, in Sheepcotes Lane, Great Totham, has been spraying his crops with liquid waste.

But neighbour Graham Richmond said he was appalled by the smell which he says has been lingering for nearly three months.

Mr Richmond said: "It is absolutely obnoxious and it is awful."

Daphne Davies, of Church Road, said: "It is a revolting smell. It is so bad if you leave the window open, it permeates through the whole house."

Ann Hart, Maldon District Council's environmental officer admitted it had received a large number of complaints and was monitoring the situation with the Environment Agency. She stressed Mr Bunting was not breaking any environmental regulations.

Mr Bunting said: "There is a code of practice for applying organic fertiliser which we are endeavouring to adhere to."

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