A BRADFORD MP has hit out at a local biowaste centre after nearby residents had been plagued by a “vile odour” drifting across for several weeks.

Imran Hussain called on the Environment Agency to take action against the Wastewise site in Esholt to tackle to smell, which he has received complaints about from residents in Apperley Bridge and Thackley.

He said Bradford Council has issued an abatement order against the site to control the smell and raised concerns over the source of the smell and any potential health risks,

Wastewise said it is appealing the order, while the Environment Agency said “appropriate measures” must be taken to minimise impact from the sites.

Mr Hussain said: “For a number of weeks, residents have been reporting a vile odour emanating from the Esholt biowaste treatment site.

“Yet despite numerous complaints, little action has been taken to identify the odour and the risk it poses to residents.

“During these warmer summer weeks, the smell has also gotten worse and is now causing many people to feel physically sick, leaving them deeply anxious about the potential impact that it may have on their health.

“The Environment Agency therefore urgently needs to step in, and I have pressed the chief executive to commit further resources to these complaints to ensure that the cause of the smell and any health risks that it poses are positively identified, and that an action plan is put in place to communicate with residents, keep them safe, and stop this smell making their lives a misery.”

A spokesperson for Wastewise said: “Biowise can confirm it is in receipt of a Notice from Bradford Council in relation to its Esholt composting site.

“Biowise will be appealing this notice within the 21-day period given as it does not accept the odour reported is related to its garden waste only, i.e. no food waste, recycling facility at the Yorkshire Water sewage treatment works.

“The site continues to provide an essential recycling service to residents across Bradford, Leeds and other parts of Yorkshire.”

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “Environment Agency officers have identified odours in the area of Apperley Bridge that may be attributed to sewage sludge treatment and composting at the Esholt waste water treatment works run by Yorkshire Water.

“Yorkshire Water must take appropriate measures to minimise the impact of odours from its operation on the neighbouring community.

“If such measures are not taken and significant pollution is identified, a permit breach may be recorded and further action may be taken.

“We would urge anyone that continues to experience these odours to report it to us immediately on 0800 807060.”

Yorkshire Water also operates a sewage management site in Esholt, and said it will work with Wastewise to try and address any issues.

A spokesperson said: “We’re aware of reports of odour issues and we’ve been working with Bradford Council and the Environment Agency to investigate the issue.

“As mentioned by Mr Hussain, an abatement order has been issued to a third party in relation to their premises in the area.

“We will of course continue to work with the other agencies to support where we can.”