MP calls for investigation into 'rancid smell'

An MP has called for an investigation into a bad odour that has been impacting residents and businesses since 2023.

Labour MP for Warwick and Leamington Matt Western has asked the junior environment minister, Emma Hardy, to help find the cause of the issue.

People living in the Heathcote and Whitnash areas have blamed a nearby recycling plant owned by Berry Circular Polymers as the cause of the smell, described as "disgusting, pungent and foul".

The recycling company and the Environment Agency (EA) said they were yet to find a substantial link between the odour and any site.

Steve James has lived near Heathcote for the past 23 years and claimed the issues, including fly infestations and a foul smell, only began when the recycling plant opened on nearby Ashbourne Drive.

"It's like a stagnant, foul water smell and it's repulsive."

"If you didn't know otherwise, you'd think there was a blocked sewer somewhere but there isn't," he said.

Mr James added he was unable to open his windows or hang his washing out, meanwhile "the smell is getting worse, month by month".

Berry Circular Polymers said: "We take these concerns extremely seriously and although both ourselves and our regulators cannot find a substantial causal link, we are committed to ensuring we do not negatively impact Warwickshire residents."

Western has called on those who live nearby to submit a form to him detailing how they have been impacted by the flies and odour, which he will use to create a map demonstrating the breadth of the problem.

Green councillor Hema Yellapragada, who is also one of the residents affected, said: "I can smell it on the road all the time but no-one has pinpointed the problem and the solution".

The EA said the issue was a priority and it would continue to investigate all reports alongside Warwick District Council to identify the source.

It added: "We have not received any reports of flies since early September and have continued to investigate all odour reports we receive."

Warwick District Council said it was urging residents to follow the EA's advice and it continued to support the agency's investigation.

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