Complaints of odour pollution continue in a Cumbrian town which has been afflicted by a persistent ‘pong’.

Penrith’s ongoing issues with odour continue to affect residents as in the first six months of 2024, the Environment Agency received 455 complaints about odour pollution from the area.

In 2023, the agency received 1,367 complaints, an increase of over 1,000 on the previous year.

The source of the odour has not been formally declared, but much has been said of it allegedly originating from the Omega Proteins factory, which renders animal parts to make various products, and is operated by Leo Group in the west of the town.

The Environment Agency (EA) is investigating the factory, inspecting it for compliance with an environmental permit.

Westmorland and Furness Council’s environmental health team is also investigating complaints about odour pollution in Penrith.

Steph Cordon, director of thriving communities at the council, said it is investigating the ‘odour from the Omega Proteins site’ after ‘complaints from residents’.

“The continuing number of complaint calls to the EA evidences that odour pollution is still a major problem in the town,” said lead campaigner Jeff Thomson, a former Penrith town councillor.

He said he is now calling for the EA to name the source of the odour.

“For too long Penrith, particularly the west of the town, has suffered odour pollution, locally known as the Penrith Pong.

“There has been huge amounts of speculation and accusations about the source. It is now time the EA – along with Westmorland and Furness Council’s environmental health department – formally names the source,” said Mr Thomson.

Currently, at the request of Fresh AIR for Penrith and former constituency MP Dr Neil Hudson, the council is investigating the 2023 odour reports to establish if any constitute a ‘statutory nuisance’.

“Whatever the outcome of the council’s investigation and the EA’s response to odour complaints, the fact is Penrith, its residents’ health and wellbeing, its economy, its retail and tourism sectors, and the environment, are all suffering.

“We need the formal naming of the odour source and action to stop the offender,” said Thomson.

A Westmorland and Furness Council spokesperson said: “Westmorland and Furness Council is currently undertaking a statutory nuisance investigation following complaints about odour associated with the Omega Proteins rendering plant.

“We expect to be able to conclude the investigation by the end of September.

"If a statutory nuisance is identified through the investigation, the council will take appropriate further action such as serving abatement notices.

An EA spokesperson said: "We understand how unpleasant odour issues can be and we continue to inspect the facility for compliance with the environmental permit.

“We have been addressing matters relating to odour control directly with the company and seeking further improvements.

"We continue to encourage members of the public to share any concerns or new reports with us on 0800 80 70 60."

They said they could not comment any further in order to not prejudice their ongoing enquiries.

Leo Group was approached for a comment.