Residents in Fleetwood, Lancashire, were blighted by an 'eggy' smell from a United Utilities plant for around six yearstown sued their wastewater company and received “thousands of pounds” in compensation after being blighted by a prolonged and “horrendous” odour from one of its sewage plants.Barrie Mair, 66, said that Fleetwood residents took collective action against United Utilities after the town was engulfed by a “distinctly horrible and eggy smell”.
Commenting on the similarities between collective action cases against water companies over sewage pollution and the Fleetwood case took part in, Mr Barrie said: “I suggest many have a valid claim to seek compensation where their lives have been affected in such a negative manner on the basis that they have suffered a loss of amenity.
She said: “As residents, we were all getting increasingly aware of the number of pollution incidents on the beach and then a big spill happened in August, meaning the beach was closed in the middle of our tourist season. “It means everything to our family and you can’t underestimate the impact it has when suddenly your whole way of life is shifted.”
“We are investing around £38m in the Exmouth area up to 2030 which includes upgrades to our pumping stations and treatment works to significantly reduce the number of spills and further protect the environment.”