Investigation to solve mystery of 'cesspit smell'
BBCAn investigation has been launched into a mysterious smell that has been plaguing a neighbourhood "for years", residents say.
People living in the Kingsholm area of Gloucester have complained the pong - which has been likened to "human waste" and a "cesspit" - seeps into their houses.
Resident Huw Parry said he has experienced the "overpowering smell" for up to seven years, and it leaves him feeling "physically sick".
Severn Trent said it is aware of the complaints and an investigation to find the cause has been launched.
Parry said he has noticed the problem for the last six to seven years, and it is particularly bad on Kingsholm Road, Denmark Road and Lansdown Road.
He said the odour, which he described as being like a cesspit or human waste, has impacted his daily life.
"We had an instance just after Christmas where the smell got into the house, it was pretty grim.
"It took a while to get rid of because you can't open the windows," he said.
Parry said the odour which can be smelt outside Gloucester Rugby Stadium gives the city a bad reputation.
"If you think about match days, if there's supporters coming to Gloucester to visit and there's that overpowering smell, you're thinking Gloucester is not a very nice place," he added.
Resident Ian Shipley said he is also bothered by the smell.
"It permeates into the houses...it needs sorting big time," he said.
Another resident, who asked to stay anonymous, described the pong as being like "sewage".
Severn Trent said the company is currently investigating to see if it is connected to its sewer network.
A spokesperson for the water company said: "We have planned a cleanse of waste pipes in the area to help reduce any potential odours and plan to liaise with the county council to see if they have any blocked gullies, which could also be contributing to the issue.
"We thank residents for their patience."
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