THE stench of sewage is leaving residents unable to open their doors and windows, it has been claimed.

Families on the Ekco Park estate, off Priory Crescent, Southend, say the sewage smell gets worse during the summer but has been ever present in recent weeks.

Labour’s Daniel Cowan insisted the “council is aware”.

Three possible sources have been identified, but residents are pressing for action.

Anglian Water says a collapsed sewer pipe is to blame.

Trinity Estates property management company wrote to councillors to demand action in August.

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A spokesman said: “We have 231 residents living on this development and the smell is now so bad that they often can not open their windows within their properties.”

Mr Cowan insisted the “council is aware and working on the issue”.

Alex Bright, Tory environment spokesman said: “I organised a short notice briefing with the Conservatives and Anglian Water and we were reassured it’s being dealt with. It’s a pretty significant problem, whenever you’re in the area you can’t miss it.”

It comes as a sewage pipe near Camper Road leaks sewage into the Thames Estuary, due to a collapsed pipe.

Martin Terry, councillor for public protection, said: “The council has investigated and identified three potential sources including the Anglian Water Services sewage treatment works, Hadleigh Salvage Recycling Limited both in Stock Road, and the Veolia depot in Eastern Avenue.”

A spokesman for Anglian Water gave hope the foul odour will soon be at an end, adding: “This is due to the collapsed sewer pipe and we are working really hard to fix it. We are winning the battle in getting pumps and pipes in place which is pretty much done now.

"This should help to reduce the odour and the refurbishment works will still take place but the the immediate issue is fixing the seafront issue.”

 

*This story has been amended to remove a quote from Labour councillor Daniel Cowan. The quote has been removed due to a misunderstanding during the interview process.