Investigation launched into town's 'strange smell'

Councillor Sam Pearce-Kearney says the smell wakes up residents in the middle of the night

An investigation has been launched into a mysterious smell that has been waking up residents in the middle of the night, a town councillor has said.

Hundreds of people have been complained about the "strong smell", which has been described as a "mixture of rotten eggs, sewage, sulphur, and gas", Calne south councillor Sam Pearce-Kearney said.

It has been permeating homes, even when windows are closed.

Wiltshire Council said it is aware of the issue and is working with other agencies to establish the cause.

The unwelcome stench has been reported in different parts of the town.

"I've had, on some days, 200 messages reporting smells in different places," said Mr Pearce-Kearney.

"It really affects people, waking them up in the middle of the night, even."

The issue is widespread, affecting roads throughout the town and surrounding areas like Cherhill and Lyneham.

He noted that the smell appears intermittently, with peaks in the early morning and late evening.

In an effort to trace the source, Mr Pearce-Kearney has been in contact with Wiltshire Council, Hills, Wessex Water and Wales & West Utilities.

So far, he has determined that the smell is not coming from Hills Landfill or Beversbrook Sports Facility, and Wales & West testing has ruled out a gas leak.

Investigations are currently ongoing with Wiltshire Council and Wessex Water.

Mr Pearce-Kearney said Wiltshire Council is looking into the possibility that the smell may be coming from the river.

"Two officers have been investigating all potential sources reported by residents," he said.