A whiff of doubt over stench
Council officials are in talks with a company blamed for a foul smell wafting across a Hillfoots village.
Residents in Menstrie say the stench combined with the hot weather is making life unbearable.
Offers at Clackmannanshire Council believe the smell, similar to that of raw sewage, is coming from the Kerry Foods factory whose address is given as Glenochil Yeast Farm.
But the Irish food manufacturer say they are not responsible for the smell.
Clacks Council’s environmental health team says it is aware of the issue and is in discussion with Kerry to ensure that the problem is identified and a solution is implemented.
A spokesperson added: “Council officers have carried out a site inspection and agreed both remedial actions and further investigative work. Officers will be meeting again with senior staff at Kerry Foods to review progress and if the problem persists agree further action to be taken. This incident is not a hazard to health.”
However, the food production plant says the smell has come as a result of land spreading near the site.
A spokesperson told the Observer:“We are in discussions with the council but there seems to be some confusion as it’s our understanding that the smell has come from land spreading that has been taking place within the vicinity.”
Kerry produces notable brands, including Cheestrings, Richmond and Wall’s sausages, and Mattessons.
Residents in nearby villages, including Alva, Tullibody, Fishcross and Sauchie also claim to have been subjected to the smell.
One Menstrie resident said:“It’s been around for a couple of weeks now. I opened the kitchen window one morning earlier this week and it smelled like raw sewage outside. I actually thought that it was coming from my drains at first.”
Lorna Tannock said:“The smell has been so bad it has woke us and my daughter said she couldn’t breathe. I’m glad someone has reported this.”
Sandie Catherine Thomson said:“This is ridiculous. We have children and are expecting another. My 16-year-old son was aware of a loud noise last night (Monday). He said it sounded like a helicopter – but when he ventured outside he said it was a noise coming from said premises. He was physically sick with the extremity of the smell. This needs to be sorted immediately.
“I have very real concerns for public health. The flies that accompany the stench are a problem. Totally unacceptable in the modern day.”
Abbi Crawford added:“I would dispute the claim that this isn’t a hazard to our health. My partner is asthmatic and he has to increase his medication when this smell is around. He’s also coughing all the time. The warmest summer for a long time and we can’t open our windows.
“Something’s not right.”