Residents have been left scratching their heads and holding their noses after a foul smell descended over Sheerness.

Hundreds of Islanders were unable to open their windows or enjoy their gardens after the woeful whiff arrived at the weekend.

Most people agree it was at its worst on Sunday and although no one is certain exactly what caused the smell, which is a sewage-type stink, many think it is coming from the canal off Halfway Road.

Residents in the Marine Town area of Sheerness seem to have been affected most by the stench.

Lisa Roberts, 16, of Southview Gardens, Sheerness, said: “It’s been smelly for about three days – it’s a really dirty sort of rotten egg smell. I wanted to do a bit of sunbathing as the weather was so nice at the weekend but I couldn’t stand the smell outside.”

Dawn McPherson, of Maple Street, Sheerness, said: “It smells like drains and sewage – it spoilt my walk with the dogs and I couldn’t have the windows open.”

Richmond First School in Nursery Close was badly affected, and Rachel Blackstock, who was there to pick her children up, said on Tuesday: “The kids were all moaning about the smell when they came in yesterday.”

Do you know what caused the pong? Contact the news desk on 01795 580300 or e-mail timesguardian@thekmgroup.co.uk