By Hayley Robinson

Steps are being taken to find a long-term solution to stop foul smells making life a misery for Iwade residents.

Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Gordon Henderson contacted the Environment Agency and spoke to Andrew Pearce after residents noticed a nasty whiff hovering over the village a few weeks ago.

An investigation found that the smell had originated from fields at Culnell's Corner, School Lane, after a local farmer was caught out by the rain, not incorporating the compost quickly enough.

Originally it was suspected the smell was coming from a composting site at Ridham Dock which is run by Countrystyle and has been the source of smells in the past, but on this occasion it was not to blame.

Last year Swale council received 100 complaints about a foul smell which was put down to the spreading of paper and sewage sludge.

Mr Henderson said: "Andrew Pearce assured me that the Environment Agency are taking steps to find a long-term solution to what is a recurring problem."

He said the Environment Agency will meet with the farmer and Swale council in the near future to discuss the issue and provide advice to prevent it happening again.

"In addition, the agency will continue to work with Countrystyle to ensure that best practice is used for storing the waste that they supply to customers."

The agency will also act on complaints and Mr Henderson said residents should call 0800 807060 to report any incidence of foul smells.