A WATER company has vowed to investigate following a surge of complaints about sewage-related pongs in Chester.

Several residents have contacted The Standard about the re-emergence of the ‘Sealand Stink’ – a nose-wrinkling menace that has not been an issue for a number of years.

In 2014 Welsh Water carried out a £1 million upgrade to its treatment plant on Sealand Road which put an end to the nasty niffs in the area.

But one woman, who lives in Blacon, said she had been shopping at the Tesco supermarket on Sealand Road last week and was almost sick due to the smell coming from the facility.

She wrote: “I wish to make a complaint and raise my concerns about the horrendous smell from the local sewage waste disposal centre off Bumpers Lane.

“Whilst visiting the local Tesco, last night, I was shocked by how pungent the smell from this facility was. I was physically retching at the disgusting smell.

“I woke this morning and noticed that the smell had lingered through the night and was now purveying the air around the residential areas of Blacon and beyond.”

She added: “I would like some reassurance that the air that I am breathing is healthy and that the situation I have outlined above is an anomaly and one that, anyone who lives or visits the vicinity will find equally unacceptable.”

A spokesperson for Welsh Water pledged to get to the bottom of any issue with its water treatment plant.

She said: “We are aware of reports of odour affecting Sealand Road and are investigating to find out if there is a link to our nearby wastewater facility which, as far as we’re aware, is operating normally.

“Until these investigations are complete, we would like to assure residents that we have taken many steps to reduce odours in the area and will continue to work closely with the local community to ensure our work has minimal impact on the surrounding area.”

* Have you noticed the Sealand Stink? Contact our news desk on 01244 304554 or email steve.creswell@newsquest.co.uk