A number of UK seaside towns have been hit with a horrible smell which some have blamed on the French. Locals said the stench has made them “feel sick” and some have been forced to shut their windows.
Residents in Chichester, Bognor and Littlehampton, in West Sussex, have taken to social media to complain about the smell. The same area experienced a similar stink in 2013, which was found to be coming from a chemical plant in Rouen, France. Emergency services have been contacted about the smell while the local gas company has denied causing the stench.
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: “We have had a number of calls from people along the south coast concerned they can smell gas. It is believed that this might be coming from offshore, rather than a local domestic gas leak.
“We would always encourage anyone who thinks they smell gas to contact their utilities provider. If you begin to feel unwell, always dial 999 for emergency medical care.”
A coastguard spokesperson added: “A report of the smell of gas and diesel at Selsey Bill was made to HM Coastguard at about 5.20pm on 15 July. West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was informed. Investigations found no evidence of anything untoward.”
A number of concerned locals have taken to Facebook to share their concerns about the smell. One said: “We had it in The Close two afternoons running, we thought it was from a dirty exhaust as a van had just pulled away. It was certainly a horrible smell and definitely like gas.”
A second wrote: “Was working over wick Littlehampton Tuesday and it stank of gas/egg over there. Had to shut the windows.”
Another added: “It stinks again now over east beach side. Sort of sulphurous and gassy. Woke me up at dawn as well.”
However, gas company SGN has denied that the smell is coming from their gas network. Spokesperson Dan brown said: “We understand residents might be concerned about the smell in the air in these towns over the last couple of days.
“We’ve responded to dozens of reports, and our engineers have carried out investigations and safety checks at each reported location. There’s nothing to suggest the smell is coming from our gas network.”
Chichester District Council said: “The smell is described as strong and unpleasant like a ‘rich, potent gas smell’ or similar to rotten eggs. It has been reported along the south coast of England, including Chichester, Bognor Regis and Littlehampton as well as Kent, and parts of Surrey and London.
“The smell is believed to be caused by a gas leak from a chemical factory in Rouen, France, which the wind has carried across the English Channel.
“While the odour has caused concern and has prompted calls to emergency services, it is not considered dangerous and does not pose a health risk. The gas contains mercaptan, an additive used to give gas a detectable odour, even though natural gas itself does not have an odour.”