Swale council has been challenged to do more to prevent the foul stench hanging over Sittingbourne every summer.

It follows a string of complaints made to the authority as farmers began spraying their fields with paper-based fertiliser last Monday.

Residents in the town and Bobbing area said the smell was still around on Friday.

Cllr Mike Baldock (Ukip) said: “It seems to be just Swale who have to put up with the smell, Sheppey have the same issue too.

“No one ever does anything about it, all they say is the same old thing.

“This time of the year is filled with people having barbecues and holding events so do we need to suffer this smell?

“There are protocols on when farmers should spread this stuff but it seems they hire in machines and have to use the same ones at different times around the area, meaning that the smell continues far longer than it needs to and completely ruins half the summer.”

Cllr Baldock, who represents Borden and Grove Park, is investigating the impact of waste spreading around Kent, and wants to find an alternative.

“No other areas in Kent seem to suffer the same way we do,” he said.

Is there something Swale council can learn about dealing with this from other councils?” - Cllr Mike Baldock

“Other councils don’t have this issue, so why is it that we do in Swale?

The problem usually happens between May and September.

Cllr Alan Horton, Swale’s cabinet member for safer families and communities, said: “Spreading is a standard agricultural practice used in Swale and across the country.

“We have to expect odours from time to time despite farmers and contractors making sure they incorporate materials into the soil quickly to reduce their impact.

“However, if the odours are excessive or persistent after the operation is complete, we or the Environment Agency will investigate.”

An Environment Agency spokesman added: “We encourage residents to call 0800 807060 if the odour gets excessive, we are monitoring and if the odour gets worse, we will act accordingly”.