RESIDENTS are unhappy with the "terrible" odour coming from Christchurch treatment works.

Terry Broughton has lived at Trafalgar Court near Mudeford Lane for eight years and says the smell has never been this bad before.

She says other residents in the area have also commented on the issue and added that she cannot sit outside in her garden because the odour is so bad.

Mrs Broughton said: "Every now and then it's terrible. You have to close your windows and doors. I have never smelt it as bad as it was this year. I've never smelt anything like it. It's unpleasant to live with."

A spokesperson from Wessex Water, said: "We’ve investigated the concerns raised and there are currently no abnormal issues that would affect odour levels at Christchurch sewage treatment works, which was upgraded in 2014.

"Odour levels are constantly monitored and an odour management plan is in place, showing that current levels are well within operational parameters.

"Unfortunately, due to the nature of what we are dealing with, occasional odours may be present. We do our best to keep these levels to a minimum and thank residents for their understanding."

Sean Whitney, Public Health and Protection Manager for Christchurch and East Dorset Councils, said: "We have not received any complaints from the public regarding an issue of odour around Mudeford Lane or the sewage treatment works in Christchurch.

"If the public health team were to receive a complaint about odour we would investigate accordingly."

Christchurch treatment works is located just off the Stony Lane roundabout, going towards Burton.