Firefighters were called to a gas leak on Canvey only to find the alert was caused by smells from a sewage plant.

Canvey crews responded to a 999 call in the early hours yesterday but failed to locate a leak.

Yet they soon picked up on a strong scent from the sewage plant in Thorney Bay Road, which has been at the centre of complaints from councillors and residents.

A fire spokesman said: "We were called out at 4am by police officers after a resident in Furtherwick Road reported smelling gas.

"A crew attended but no action was needed as the smell is believed to have originated from the sewage works."

Stella Stock, 72, who lives in Urmond Road, Canvey, and has a caravan at Thorney Bay, said: "I think it could depend on which way the wind is blowing. Often it is terrible. Canvey is a lovely place to live, but to have to put up with this is awful."

A spokesperson for Anglian Water said: "We have been working with the environmental health officer and the local council following problems with one of the treatment processes at the treatment works, which has caused odour problems.

"We are currently working on repairs to the treatment process, and will be completed at the start of next week and will help alleviate the problem.

"Anglian Water is also carrying out work to cover tanks on site, which will further reduce odours. Once this has been completed we will assess the situation to see if any additional work is needed."