Readers try to sniff out the cause of the Jarrow stink
For the last week a foul smell, described similar to that of ‘rotten eggs’ has lingered around the town.
Health experts are looking into the problem but its cause remains unknown and fingers are being pointed to stagnant water in the River Don or Tyne, which has been warmed up in the recent heatwave. Other theories are that may be coming from sewage treatment works in Howdon, North Tyneside or a nearby recycling plant.
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Hide AdSouth Tyneside Council’s environmental health team confirmed it has received a number of complaints about the stench and is now trying track down the source.
A South Tyneside Council spokeswoman said: “We have received several complaints about the odour in the Jarrow area.
“Our Environmental Health officers are currently working with the Environment Agency to try to identify the source and take action if appropriate.”
Meanwhile readers have been sharing their theories and thoughts on the stench on the Gazette's Facebook page.
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Hide AdSimon Keenan wrote: " I let my cat in about 3am last night and the smell stuck to you, it was horrid I thought it was an egg invasion."
Caroline Baker sent: "It happens a lot through the night, for the last few months too, i think it's to do with the heat."
Katrina Elstob typed: "It makes you feel sick."
Allan Lenney said: "It's horrible I work in jarrow and it's unreal."
Rachael Rylance suggested: "Drains need a good clean."
Steve Lundell added: "You smell it regularly going into the Tyne Tunnel at the North Side. I suspect it is the water treatment place or the recycling centre in at Howdon. It's not new, it's just more obvious at the moment.