The Environment Agency has confirmed that a foul smell affecting residents of Little Hulton for almost two decades originates from Kenny Waste Management on Lester Road. The agency launched an investigation earlier this week after complaints became numerous, and officers attended the site on four occasions in recent days.
Residents Describe Overwhelming Odour
The stench, described as 'rancid eggs', 'burnt sulphur', stagnant water, stale dog food, or cooked bin juice, wafts over the housing estate at odd hours, outside schools, and most pungently towards the end of Manchester Road. Local resident Shaun, 35, who has lived there for 12 years, said: "It really is foul. We used to think it was the farms putting fertiliser on the fields in the sun. On a hot day, you have to shut all the windows."
His partner Tracey, 36, added that the smell has "definitely gotten stronger recently," and noted that their street is overrun by rats, with creatures skittering across their trainers when they take out the bins. "We don't know if it's related, but the smell can't be helping, either. There's also all the dust that flies over from the dump - it gets everywhere, and leaves layers on your windows," she said.
Businesses Battle the Pong
Paul Gleabe, 56, a lifelong resident, said: "It stinks. Every day, nights sometimes, and it's been getting worse for years. It's alright round here generally, it's just that we all wish that smell would go." Jordan Newman, another long-term resident, said: "The smell keeps coming back, and we keep getting told the same thing, over and over. It's really frustrating for everyone living here. We're told it will be sorted, it'll be moved, but it just carries on. It affects our daily lives, you can't sit outside, and you never know when it's going to drift over next."
Local businesses are also affected. The Laundry Club, which opened in May opposite the start of Lester Road, struggles with the smell. Owner Kelly said: "We're a laundrette but we also have our own scents and carpet fresheners. A massive part of our business is the smell, so we spray every day. But as soon as we open the door it just gets obliterated by the smell of the dump. The issue we have is that if we open the door, it smells, but if we keep it closed, it's too warm. We can't get away from it really."
Enforcement Action Considered
Wayne, 48, a manager at a nearby garage, expressed concern for his staff, who work in an open garage. He noted that the business uses Kenny's to collect their waste, saying: "You'd hope they'd have some plans in place to manage the smell."
An Environment Agency spokesperson said: "Our officers visited the area in response to reports of a foul smell, which we can confirm is coming from waste on the site of Kenny Waste Management. We recognise the significant impact this is having on residents and are considering appropriate enforcement action. We're clear that businesses handling waste must do so without causing pollution or unacceptable impacts on local communities." Kenny Waste Management did not wish to provide a comment but noted they are currently working with the Environment Agency to deal with the issue.
