Anger at 'stink mountain' affecting villages

Residents in Haltemprice, near Hull, have been complaining about a "putrid" smell they claim is coming from a waste management site in Willerby.

Some told the BBC the smell makes them gag, stops them enjoying their gardens and could affect their ability to sell their homes.

The Environment Agency said it is putting "significant resource" into regulating the site after "high levels" of odour reports.

The BBC has contacted Wastewise, which manages the composting facility, but is yet to receive a reply.

Wastewise has previously suggested land spreading could be the source of the smell.

However, residents insist this cannot be the case.

"This isn't anything like farm slurry," said Martin Goodgroves, 71. "It's called 'stink mountain' for a good reason".

"It makes you gag. It gets to the back of your throat. It is absolutely rank," Mr Goodgroves added.

Pat Brady, 78, who moved to the area in 1985, said there were "no smells whatsoever" when she first arrived.

"I was looking forward to retirement to be in the garden and it just spoils it completely. You don't want to go outside," she said.

Jo Hart, 64, said: "I've been complaining about this for 15 years and got absolutely nowhere."

Her husband Kevin, 65, said the smell can travel some distance.

"Depending on which way the wind blows, we could get it in Willerby or it could be in Kirk Ella or Swanland or down to Chanterlands Avenue."

Elaine Houghton has been logging people's complaints on a Facebook page.

Although she feels "settled" in Cottingham now, she worries if she ever did have to sell her home, nobody would want to buy it.

"Who's going to want to buy a house in this location? It's just disgusting."

The 64-year-old said although they are "never going to get rid of the smell completely", she believes using the "best available techniques" would "mitigate" it.

The Environment Agency said it takes all odour reports "very seriously".

"Our regulation has required the site to make improvements through investment in new infrastructure which have been progressed throughout 2023," the agency said in a statement.

“We would like to assure the community that we are continuing to put significant resource and expertise into the regulation of this site.”

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