The Peterborough Pong: Civic leaders look to clear the air with new action

The bad smell has loitered for years near the dual carriageway, close to the Park Inn hotel, and, unsurprisingly, has prompted a number of adverse comments from some customers.

And with more apartments expected to be built nearby at the former TK Maxx building at the corner of Bourges Boulevard and Bridge Street civic leaders are determined to make the offensive odour a thing of the past.

In a bid to put together a new action plan to end the pong civic leaders, hotel bosses and officials from Anglian Water gathered at the end of last week to consider the evidence.

And Anglian Water has agreed to carry out a new investigation with the results to be presented in March.

Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes said: “The Bourges Boulevard stink has gone on for far too long, with no one taking responsibility.

“That’s why I’ve been working with local businesses and called this meeting.

“Last week, we finally got everyone around the table to tackle the problem together and agreed a way forward.

“The challenge isn’t just a lack of anyone taking responsibility, it’s that the exact cause remains unclear.

“ Historic records point to several possible sources, which is why a co-ordinated approach is essential.

“Working with Peterborough Positive and local businesses, I am determined to see something done.

“I want to thank Anglian Water, National Highways, Peterborough City Council, Peterborough Positive and the Park Inn for coming together on this.

Mr Pakes added: “We’ve agreed that Anglian Water will carry out a more extensive investigation and report back in March, so we can identify the source and deliver a solution.”

A spokesperson for Anglian Water said: “There are investigations ongoing trying to establish the source and find a resolution.

"We are investigating all potential causes and the meeting was positive, with those in attendance agreeing to work together to find a resolution.

She added: "Anglian Water has committed to report back by March.”

Simon Cox, general manager of the Park Inn, said: “We attended the recent meeting to discuss the ongoing concerns regarding the public drainage system in the area, a matter we have previously raised our concerns over with the relevant authorities and companies.

"All parties were aligned on the urgent need for a solution, and we are hoping the matter will be resolved soon - not only in consideration of our guests but for the city as a whole.”

Councillor Angus Ellis, Peterborough City Council’s cabinet member for environment and transport, said: "We are aware of the ongoing issues in relation to the bad smell that is often experienced around the end of Bridge Street that connects with Bourges Boulevard.

"Friday's meeting hosted by our MP was a good chance to sit down with partners including Anglian Water and the BID to see what steps can be taken to address it.

He said: "It was a positive meeting and we have now agreed a way forward to try and resolve the issues including an investigation by Anglian Water, the results of which will be reported back to us in March so a plan can be put in place."

Pep Cipriano, chief operating officer of Peterborough Positive, said: “It was a really positive meeting.

“It is an issue that needs to be resolved.

“The pong is there throughout the year and through all weather, although there may be short periods of time when it is not noticeable.

“Obviously there has been an adverse reaction from customers at the Park Inn and from nearby businesses.

“But the former TK Maxx/New Look building, which is nearby, is being sold and it is likely there will be accommodation units put in there so we need to resolve this issue - it has been going on for far too long.

He said: “I am delighted with the way the meeting went and everybody has agreed to take action.”

What is the cause of the Peterborough Pong?

No one really know what triggers the Peterborough Pong.

However, there have been a number of theories.

One theory, from some years ago, is that the repugnant smell comes off the agricultural land that surrounds the city when farmers spreading manure over their crops.

However, these days people tend to point to the drainage pipes and sewers that run under the ground as the likely cause for the pong.

But despite much investigation and works, the unpleasant whiffs are proving tough to shift.