Cumbrian odour pilot scheme rolled out nationwide
AN Environment Agency (EA) scheme that was tested in Penrith has been rolled out nationwide.
The EA had been piloting an online incidents reporting system, which had included the Penrith area.
Residents can use this service to report unpleasant smells from waste facilities, industrial sites and farms.
The MP for Penrith and Solway, Markus Campbell-Savours, said: 'The new online reporting tool was one of the first things I discussed with the Environment Agency following my election in July last year.
"I hope that this helps the authorities build a clearer picture of the impact the issue has in Penrith.'
Markus Campbell-Savours (Image: Laurie Noble)Jeff Thomson, from Fresh Air for Penrith, has been campaigning for an easier way for residents of Penrith to report unpleasant smells.
He said: 'This will allow people, including those not too keen to use a direct phone line, access to the EA's reporting system. Some may find it easier, and more convenient, than making a phone call.
'The online system will allow fuller details to be submitted by complainants. Hopefully, this will give more information to the EA to allow them to investigate, and take any necessary action, based on much more detailed intelligence.'
Mr Thomson believes the added reporting method will contribute significantly to helping identify the source - and a solution - to Penrith's long running odour pollution problem, the so-called Penrith 'pong'.
Mr Campbell-Savours added: 'Jeff Thomson has worked hard for a number of years to ensure local residents know the best ways to raise concerns of odour nuisance issues in Penrith.'
Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron visited the Omega Proteins plant last week, with Lib Dem town councillor Susan Davies, where they presented the views of local residents over the odour.
Those wishing to report an odour environmental incident can now either phone the EA's designated 24/7 hotline free on 0800 80 70 60 or go to gov.uk/report-smell
This is a 24/7 online service which can be accessed through mobile phones, laptops or computers.
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