DOZENS of people have responded to a story in The Standard last week on the return of the so-called ‘Sealand Stink’.

We reported that Welsh Water had vowed to investigate following a surge in complaints about sewage-related pongs coming from its water treatment plant on Sealand Road, near Tesco.

In 2014 the company carried out a £1 million upgrade to the facility that it hoped would put an end to the nasty niffs in the area.

But judging by the number of people who have contacted us directly or left messages on our social media pages, the smell never really went away.

People describe having to keep windows and doors closed this summer as the smell has made them feel ill and even woke one resident up at night.

The woman said: “I live on the Tower Wharf development and the 'Sealand Stink' has been a particular problem over the two summers that I've been there.

“This summer, I had to keep my balcony door and all my windows closed on some of the hottest days. It even woke me up in the middle of the night once because it was so strong.

“On one particularly bad week I went to stay with family, because my home was being overwhelmed by the smell. I have been speaking to the council about this and have been filling out records.”

Another woman, who lives on Canal Street, added: “This has been awful for over 50 years of my life. I have spoken to Welsh Water over many years and have been given forms to fill in regarding dates; wind direction; strength of smell and other questions. However, it is just a constant situation.

“I have been desperate, felt so ill and unable to sit out or open a window, especially through the hot summer we have had. The smell goes through the whole house.”

She added: “Both daughters endure also, one off Lache Lane and the other living in Abbots Park. When you approach Chester from a distance and at different locations around the smell hits you.”

And a male resident wrote to us: “I was delighted to see your article. To imagine anyone in the vicinity could miss this dreadful stench must mean they have lost their sense of smell.

“I have lived in Chester for four years and I have always wondered why and how anyone could buy a property around Sealand in view of that smell which is on many occasions overpowering.”

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

A spokesman 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.”