RESIDENTS of Bridgwater were out in force to hear the latest updates on the 'awful smell' being caused by creosote in the town.

A street meeting was once again held in Heather Close, on June 20, called by Councillor Leigh Redman.

More than 20 residents and employees attended met to express their concern and listen to an update from Power Poles, the company causing the smell, and Sedgemoor District Council environmental health team.

Since last year, Power Poles Ltd have imported and distributed treated telegraph poles throughout the southwest to companies like Western distribution and BT to replace existing poles from their base in Colley Lane.

Concerns were expressed to the council over the smell omitted by the poles, and an abatement order was issued, which has now been extended.

At the meeting, Cllr Redman said: "For many months there has been a strong smell of creosote in the area.

"It was brought to my attention by a number of residents and I passed them on to the Environmental health team.

"Mr Clason, director of Power Poles, updated the group.

"They had agreed an action plan with Sedgemoor District Council that would try to mitigate the smell.

"They have asked for and been granted a 10-week extension to the order."

Mr Clason said that his company were not in the business of causing a problem for their neighbours and they were upset when they realised their work may be impacting residents.

Power Poles have been working with the council to find a way forward.

He said: "We have taken action to reduce the number of poles stored locally and are changing the composition of the creosote used in treatment to reduce odour."

The company are also trialling another location further into Colley lane.

One resident said: "We have the smell 24/7, while the SDC officers and Mr Clason can go home and move away from the smell."

Another resident added: "We are unable to invite people to our home as the smell was so overpowering."

The senior officer from Environmental health explained that they had to allow reasonable time for PPL to make improvements.

Cllr Redman stated "This is not good enough.

"The residents have suffered the smell for to long and allowing a further 10 weeks is unacceptable.

"The residents have had this for months and it is effecting their lives."

He called for anyone smelling the Creosote should make contact with SDC so that the full extent can be monitored.

Cllr Redman is encouraging as many residents as possible to register a complaint with the environmental health team or contact him direct on 07971 484 039.

A spokesperson for Power Poles said: "Power Poles Ltd have been working closely with Sedgemoor District Council to address local resident’s concerns and will continue to do so over the forthcoming weeks.

Power Poles Ltd are keen to find a resolution that is acceptable to all parties."

A spokesperson for Sedgemoor District Council said: "Whilst Sedgemoor District Council fully understand that it is very unpleasant for nearby residents to be exposed to the smell of creosote; the council has to give the company a reasonable amount of time to address the problem.

"The company have requested an extension to the notice compliance time of 10 weeks and this has been agreed.

"However, in the meantime, the council will be urging the company to move towards compliance as soon as is practicably possible."