WORRIED workers have claimed nasty smelling fumes from nearby factories are making them ill.

Some people who work in Sutton Road, Southend, have even started wearing masks, to filter out the chemicals they say are being emitted from incinerators, near the junction with Redstock Way.

They claim the fumes have left them with health problems, including heavy breathing, sore throats, headaches and dry mouths.

Nearby residents also complained about a bad smell, like burning plastic, and said the fumes had got worse in the past month.

Greg Staunton, 44, who works at Motor Engineers, in Sutton Road, said he had seen his doctor about the fumes.

He had also been forced to send staff home early, when the stench got too bad.

He said: "We are suffering here. It's not nice dreading coming to work each day.

"It's been a nightmare. You can't work in these conditions, so I'm losing business."

Sarah Newsham, a 33-year-old mum-of-two, who lives in Redstock Road, said: "It worries us, especially for our children. At one point I wouldn't let them play in the garden."

Southend Council's environmental protection team is investigating and has visited the area, but has not discovered the source of the fumes.

Paterson Worktops, in Sutton Road, as well as Woodworks Essex and C & B Techniques, both in Redstock Road, have wood heaters to burn waste. Both firms deny any wrongdoing or connection to the alleged fumes.

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