RESIDENTS demanding action over a foul sewage smell which has engulfed a Launceston housing estate have taken their concerns directly to South West Water following a community meeting.

Those living on the Stourscombe Estate in Launceston have reported an acrid stench which has filled much of the area. Locals report that the ‘smell’ started back in 2016 when South West Water put underground storage holding tanks near the entrance to the estate.

Over the last decade more developments have been allocated to land across the A388, opposite Stourscombe, but the sewage system remains the same with each site bolting onto the existing pipeline.

There has been an outcry from residents each time, with many saying their complaints the sewage system is ‘unfit for purpose’ are being overlooked and ignored.

However, the community came together this morning (October 13), to take their concerns directly to South West Water, inviting officers from the water provider to visit the site themselves.

Les Whaley is one resident who has been leading the charge in an effort to see the issues remedied. During the meeting he told South West Water (SWW) representatives of how the company seems to be unable to recognise the concerns of residents.

He said: “South West Water has known of sewage smells in residents homes and streets for some years with many reported by phone and emails [...] but they have noted phone calls but are reluctant to give Case Numbers and it then makes if difficult for residents to track and follow up concerns.

“It seems they still are not recognising residents are concerned with odours in homes and streets which we have only had since the pumping of sewage into our estate of 400 homes planned in 1999 named as Eastfield now Stourscombe from tanks holding sewage on the Wain Homes site and then pumping under the A388 to a well under the grass verge at the junction of Robin Drive.

“There have been many visits by the SWW teams over the years on cleaning drains with sealing some of drain manholes, and it has been said on site visits the drain size of four inches even for our estate and is too small to take more sewage from other estates now or in the future as the system is Inadequate.”

Mr Whaley added that residents are even concerned of the potential health risk the odour may pose to those living in the area.

“Our understanding is there are health risks from strong spells in the air and roads were children play and people walking dogs with inadequate drainage it may cause nausea and E.coli and at times residents are not able to go in their gardens and have to close doors and windows,” he said.

Residents hope that following the meeting, SWW officers will raise the issue with management and ‘find a positive way forward for residents to have cleaner air throughout the estate.’

Cornwall councillor for the area, Damon Dennis was also in attendance during the meeting, and has expressed his concern at the response from South West Water.

He told us: “It was very positive to see so many residents of the Stourscombe Estate attend the meeting with South West Water.

“Unfortunately, South West Water largely restated its position that it is not to blame. This sorry saga has been going on for years, and one resident told me that it is affecting her health.

“I hope this strong show of support from residents will lead to proactive action from South West Water, both on the problem as it stands today and on future infrastructure improvements linked to the development being built.”

South West Water have been contacted for comment.