A grim smell affecting residents in a number of British seaside towns is being blamed on the French – the smell of ‘rotten eggs’ has hit the likes of Littlehampton and Bognor Regis
A sudden “horrible smell” likened to “rotten eggs” has hit several seaside towns, and locals are blaming the French.
Residents in Chichester, Bognor and Littlehampton reported a “strong smell of gas” on social media earlier this week. The same area in West Sussex reported a “strong smell of gas” that was dubbed ‘Le Pong’ in 2013.
The culprit behind the stink was a chemical plant in Rouen, France. This week, Chichester District Council said the cause of the smell reported this week is a “a gas leak from a chemical factory in Rouen”.
Some residents have even said the smell has made them feel unwell. West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said it believes the smell is coming from the sea. Those affected and feeling unwell should contact 999.
“We have had a number of calls from people along the south coast concerned they can smell gas,” a spokesperson for the fire service said. “It is believed that this might be coming from offshore, rather than a local domestic gas leak.
“We would always encourage anyone who thinks they smell gas to contact their utilities provider. If you begin to feel unwell, always dial 999 for emergency medical care.”
The coastguard confirmed it was called to reports of a gas smell, but that they found no cause for concern. A spokesperson said: “A report of the smell of gas and diesel at Selsey Bill was made to HM Coastguard at about 5.20pm on 15 July. West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was informed. Investigations found no evidence of anything untoward.”
Residents expressed their displeasure in social media posts. One said they thought the smell was from a “dirty exhaust as a van had just pulled away”. They added that it was “horrible” and smelled “like gas”.
A second user wrote: “Was working over wick Littlehampton Tuesday and it stank of gas/egg over there. Had to shut the windows.” Another added: “It stinks again now over east beach side. Sort of sulphurous and gassy. Woke me up at dawn as well.”
Gas company SGN has said the smell is not coming from their network. Spokesperson Dan Brown said SGN understands residents “might be concerned”.
He said: “We’ve responded to dozens of reports, and our engineers have carried out investigations and safety checks at each reported location. There’s nothing to suggest the smell is coming from our gas network.”
Paul Wells, councillor for the Hatherleigh ward on Bognor Regis Town Council, said there was a “very rich, potent gas smell” which was making people “feel faint”. He said he was unsure of the cause.
The Liberal Democrat councillor added: “I’ve not been able to find out where the smell has originated from. There has been some suggestion it’s come ashore from the Channel. I will be raising it as a question at our next Town Council meeting.”
Chichester District Council said: “The smell is described as strong and unpleasant like a ‘rich, potent gas smell’ or similar to rotten eggs. It has been reported along the south coast of England, including Chichester, Bognor Regis and Littlehampton as well as Kent, and parts of Surrey and London.
“The smell is believed to be caused by a gas leak from a chemical factory in Rouen, France, which the wind has carried across the English Channel. While the odour has caused concern and has prompted calls to emergency services, it is not considered dangerous and does not pose a health risk.
“The gas contains mercaptan, an additive used to give gas a detectable odour, even though natural gas itself does not have an odour.”