Tyneside stink probe: Investigation continues into mystery pong

A probe into the vile pong which prompted complaints from around Gateshead and Newcastle last weekend is yet to conclude where the smell came from, officials confirmed on Friday.

The stink was reported by people around the area, with one resident of Low Fell telling the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) earlier this week that it “smelled like poo”.

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Some people had believed that the odour was coming from the Wardley Biogas Plant at the Follingsby Park industrial estate, which was the subject of similar complaints in July.

But the Environment Agency announced on Monday that the anaerobic digestion plant was not the cause of the smell this time and has launched an investigation, alongside Gateshead Council, to pinpoint the true source.

It is thought that the odour may be attributed to digestate fertiliser being spread on farmland.

The Environment Agency confirmed on Friday that its inquiries are still ongoing.

There were reports of the smell spreading far and wide across Tyneside last weekend – with complaints from areas including Wardley, Felling, Low Fell, Newcastle city centre, and near the Metrocentre.

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An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “We are working in partnership with Gateshead Council to determine the source of odour across Gateshead and Newcastle City Centre.

“Following reports of odours from the BioConstruct plant in Wardley Colliery our officers have conducted monitoring and can confirm the odour is not from this site’s waste activities.  

“Members of the public are urged to report odour incidents to the Environment Agency’s 24-hour hotline on 0800 807060 or to the local council.” 

Gateshead Council said: “We’re investigating the source of the strong smell reported to us. One potential source at this time of year is the spreading of biosolids on agricultural land.”