by Emma Grove

A stench permeating Sheppey is so bad islanders have been vomiting in the street.

The smell has hit residents in Leysdown and Warden Bay - with more than 100 complaints received by Swale council.

Some claim they have been made virtual prisoners indoors - others have been walking around with their hands over their noses.

The stench, which has been described as horrendous by one resident and nauseous by another, was first noticed early last week.

According to the council, the smell is lime-treated sewerage sludge which has been spread over fields.

The sludge has been produced by Thames Water and a spokesman said the company believes reusing sludge is the most sustainable outcome for the environment.

The sludge cannot be used on agricultural land without the consent of the Environment Agency or without consideration for the local communities.

Chairman of Leysdown Parish Council, Cllr Brenda Hardman, who lives in Bay View, said: "It's absolutely horrendous – it's making me feel sick. I've never known it this bad before. Even the cat won't go out!"

John Barlow, who lives in Warden Bay, said: “It's driving us barmy and we are getting lots of flies.

"We have had all the doors and windows open because we are having some work done and it's horrible. I've had a headache for the past few days and a bad throat."

A spokesman for Thames Water said: “We take its environmental responsibilities very seriously and recycle 100 per cent of our sewage sludge each year.

"We believe reusing sludge is the most sustainable outcome for the environment. Use of sludge as fertiliser is common practice throughout the country and is heavily regulated."

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