A FOUL smell which reportedly left Brightlingsea residents suffering with "headaches and nausea" has been linked to nearby gas works.

Complaints have been sent to the Environment Agency after residents reported “foul, acrid" odour coming from an area near Morses Lane.

The smell was thought to be related to either the Eastern Waste Disposal plant, a nearby gas works or a fire which broke out in the area.

Bosses at Dunmow Group, which owns Eastern Waste Disposal, confirmed it was aware of complaints over an odour emanating from the site and said it was working with the Environment Agency.

The company said the issue was caused by hot weather.

One resident said: "There is a massive issue going on at the moment with a horrible smell.

"It is making the people of Brightlingsea have headaches and making them feel sick."

Another described the smell as a "foul acrid, oil, gas-type smell", which is typically stronger in the early hours of the morning.

They added: "It can't be good for our health if it is having physical symptoms, but even so it's not good to have your windows closed in this heat."

Edward Barnes, chief technical officer at Dunmow Group, said: "As per our daily site checks, the site management noticed a faint odour coming from the site located at Morses Lane.

"This was caused due to the exceptionally sustained hot weather we are experiencing at the moment.

"The business followed its procedures and has resolved the odour with consultation from the Environment Agency.

"Reports of chemicals and other substances coming from the site are unfounded.

"It was noted by our compliance team, other agencies and the public around several other odours coming from civil engineering gas works and a local fire in Brightlingsea at the time which are not associated with the business."

An Environment Agency spokesman said: “An officer attended the Brightlingsea area in response to reports of a bad odour. 

"He identified the smell to be from the major gas works taking place along Manor House Way, Brightlingsea.

"We are keeping the situation under review and are in regular contact with the site.

“If people have concerns about odour or other environmental issues we encourage them to report it to our 24/7 incident line on 0800 807060.”