Residents in a County Durham village have shared some of their awful experiences with the smell from a nearby landfill site that has been plaguing them for more than half a year.
People living in Aycliffe Village say they are particularly worried about the potential "long-term effects" that breathing the gases in might have on their health.
Locals in Brafferton, another village near the Aycliffe landfill site run by the Ashcourt Group, have also complained of a range of health concerns, including skin rashes, worsening asthma, persistent headaches and chest infections.
Villagers are complaining to the Environment Agency every week but have yet to see any improvement after months of raising the issue.
Aycliffe Village resident Diane Liddle said: "We've had to endure this chronic and potent stench for many months now and despite constant assurances that the problem will be dealt with by Ashcourt, there appears to be no significant improvement and it keeps reoccurring.
"It has had a negative impact on us in various ways.
"It is extremely unpleasant to venture outside during an occurrence, as the smell is foul.
"The smell often is so bad it enters the household even via small entryways such as ventilation bricks and the odour lingers for some time afterwards.
"It is embarrassing when receiving visitors during such an event."
She added: "The area affected extends significantly beyond the boundaries of Aycliffe Village as it can be detected when travelling in the car from a significant distance
"We frequently experience an abundance of flies in our home and other local residents have also complained about this issue
"I cannot think that this would have anything other than a negative impact on property values."
She said that she does have health concerns for her family, adding: "Although it may be a coincidence, myself and both children have suffered from chronic dry coughs during the last few months.
"We are deeply concerned about the potential impact this could have on our health. In addition to methane, various gases and toxins are emitted from landfills, and we are uncertain about the long-term effects this could have on our health.
"We, and other residents have made numerous complaints to the Environment Agency over recent months but with no obvious improvement and with agreed dates for a solution exceeded.
"I think that this has, to some degree, negatively impacted the quality of life for residents over the past year, and it is simply unacceptable to have to deal with this repeatedly."
Jean and David Kidd say they have been struggling to enjoy their leisure time after work because of the smell.
They have cut walks short and described how the smell can be so bad that it "turns your stomach".
Jean said: "The smells really affect our leisure time. It seems to be worse at weekends and last bank holiday, it was dreadful.
"Myself and my husband set off to walk with our dog, under the railway bridge and up over the fields towards the A1.
"This is a walk we normally enjoy. However, last week we were unable to carry on with the walk due to the foul stench.
"We just turned back. The smell is sometimes so pungent, it turns your stomach.
"It also means that doors and windows often need to be kept closed. When it is bad, there is no way you can enjoy sitting outdoors."
The Environment Agency (EA) previously addressed the health concerns by stating: "We understand how unpleasant the odours are for local residents.
"We will be inspecting the site to assess how effective this remedial work has been to control the gas emissions and will continue to monitor odours in the community.”
A spokesperson for UK Health Security Agency North East, who are working closely with the EA, previously said: "The human nose is very sensitive to smell, and there are many things that have a very strong smell, even at levels below which there is a direct harmful effect to health.
"However strong smells are unpleasant and can impact on wellbeing leading to stress and anxiety.
"Some people may also experience symptoms, such as nausea, headaches or dizziness, as a reaction to strong smells, even when the substances that cause those smells are themselves not harmful to health.
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"Some residents symptoms may be as a result of their reaction to particular smells.
"UKHSA do not expect there to be any long-term health consequences from the levels of hydrogen sulphide detected around Aycliffe Quarry Landfill Site. However, the unpleasant odour may cause discomfort and some short term health effects.
"Any residents concerned about their symptoms, should please contact your GP or call NHS 111."
The Ashcourt Group has been contacted for comment but has not yet responded.
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