A York village has been subject to increasingly worsening smells in recent weeks, with residents describing the stench as the worst it’s ever been.
Bishopthorpe, which sits by the River Ouse and adjacent to the Naburn Sewage Works, often houses bad smells as the river levels vary, winds change, and temperatures rise.
However, many locals say that the recent smells are significantly more intense than usual, and some believe it’s down to human waste being spread on the fields.
Laura Holmes, a Bishopthorpe resident, shared her thoughts to YorkMix: “I’ve spoken to some locals who have lived here over 40 years, and they are all in agreement it’s the worst it’s ever been.”
Along with others she’s spoken to, Laura believes that the sewage plant is not to blame. “It’s a different smell.
“I’ve lived in the village for ten years and accept that we live near Naburn sewage works and have farms surrounding the village.
“I understand from time to time that we get the odd agricultural smell drifting around, but the smells lately are far worse than that. It makes your eyes water, it’s that intense.
“Opening the windows on hot days is hit and miss as it fills the house and can make you feel sick.
“It’s general knowledge that the intense smell is the human excrement being spread on the fields.
“And I do think it’s great, if proven safe, that they can find a use for it but if it’s causing many people such discomfort maybe it should only be used in appropriate areas away from residential areas.
“It’s extremely uncomfortable to live with.”
Others have taken to the Bishopthorpe Community Facebook group to share their concerns. One resident wrote: “I moved to Bishopthorpe in Nov 2024 not knowing how bad it smells. I’ve heard it is exceptionally bad at the moment and not usually like this.
“I have seen lots of posts concerning the smell and wondering if, as a community, we can try and summarise where we are at and someone take lead on the action.”
Further theories shared by residents include spreading of manure or waste on local fields, emissions from a nearby farm in Acaster Malbis, activity at the sewage works, or changes in river levels due to the dry weather.
However, one pointed out that wind patterns could rule out Naburn as the primary source.
“According to my weather app, the wind’s been coming from the west, not the east, so it’s more likely coming from the Acaster Malbis side. Even if the issue is river, we shouldn’t be smelling it this strongly in Bishopthorpe.”
Other comments included:
- “I’ve lived in Bishopthorpe for over 30 years and it has never been so constant. I’m beginning to feel embarrassed about having friends over.“
- “I felt physically sick coming up the river this morning. Worst I’ve smelt in over 10 years.”
- “My eyes were stinging last night with the smell, it’s like sleeping with a Dog Fox!“
Another resident who didn’t want to be named told YorkMix: “I live by the river in Bishopthorpe, and it absolutely stinks. It’s the worst it’s been in a long time.”
They added: “The council needs to do something about it, it puts me off going outside and we have to keep our windows and doors closed which in the heat, isn’t great.”
Some residents have even suggested that estate agents need to warn potential buyers about the issue.
The Environment Agency told YorkMix that they have not had any reports of the smells as of yet, and therefore would encourage members of the public to report directly to them.
An Environment Agency spokesperson said:
“If residents notice any unusual smells or odours that concern them, they are encouraged to report these to the Environment Agency.
“These can be reported online at Gov.uk or on our 24/7 hotline by calling 0800 807060.
“Our team takes these reports seriously and will investigate to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.”
YorkMix also approached City of York Council for a response to the concerns.
Matt Boxall, Head of Public Protection, said:
“We’re aware of an issue that’s been occurring with a smell in the Bishopthorpe area. Our officers are currently investigating multiple potential causes and will continue until we can identify the cause of the problem and find a solution.
“We appreciate the understanding of residents whilst we continue to work towards locating the problem and working with the relevant body to solve it”.