Revolting smell causes big stink

A DISGUSTING odour has invaded much of Greater Manchester forcing people to vent their homes – and then their anger.

The grim stench first offended people’s nostrils on Saturday and was described as ‘agricultural’ and ‘like manure.’ It was initially reported in the city centre but soon wafted elsewhere, blighting the Caribbean festival in Alexandra Park, Moss Side. And there were also complaints from Harpurhey, Hulme, Moston, Eccles, Swinton and Westhoughton as well as Rochdale, Bury, Stockport and Cheadle.

Those hoping for a reprieve on yesterday were disappointed. And the demand for answers was notched up a gear.

One Little Hulton resident, who asked not to be named, said: “It’s horrendous here, really horrendous. On Saturday night we were sitting outside and actually had to move in because it was so bad and it’s still in the air today.”

Many other took to social media to express their disapproval.

Helena Hellie @HelenaHellie said: “Oh good. The #manchestersmell is back. Anyone know what it is yet?”

Elliott Robinson @robinsonwood01 said: “There’s a problem when the whole city and suburbs smell like manure.” And Will @WillMcHoebag echoed: “Does anyone know what the smell in Manchester is? It stinks of horse poo everywhere.”

While Gareth Bird added: “Flying in the face of the Manchester #smell: We’ve hung the washing out. You’re not beating us! (unless you’re toxic) seriously what is it?”

The M.E.N. asked the Environment Agency if they were investigating. A spokeswoman said: “We haven’t had any reports of odours in the Manchester area over the weekend that are out of the ordinary. It’s important people remember to report any environmental incidents, such as pollution, to our incident hotline, 24/7, on 0800 807060, so we can investigate.”

She said residents could also report the problem to the council.

Government guidance says council bosses are obliged to look into ‘complaints about smells from industrial, trade and business premises that could be a statutory nuisance.’ For a smell to be considered in this category, it must ‘unreasonably and substantially interfere with the use or enjoyment of a home or other premises’ or ‘injure health or be likely to injure health.’ Government protocol advises that councils then use ‘two human sniffers’ to determine the strength of the smell and gauge its offensiveness.