Chicken factory to meet MP over 'bad smell' in town

An MP has called for an investigation into foul odours affecting a town that have been blamed on a nearby chicken factory.

Residents of Thorne, near Doncaster, have told Lee Pitcher MP that they believe the bad smell is coming from the Chesterfield Poultry Ltd site.

Doncaster Council has now opened an environmental health investigation, and the company has said it will work "constructively and collaboratively" with the authority and Pitcher. Its management has also offered to meet the Doncaster East and Isle of Axholme MP.

A council spokesperson said: "We are aware of concerns about an odour coming from this site and are currently looking into these complaints."

Pitcher said that since the issue was raised, environmental health officers had carried out an inspection of the factory.

In a statement he said: "Over recent weeks residents have contacted me to express concerns about the frequency and intensity of these odours and the impact they believe they are having on their quality of life.

"The issue has also been discussed extensively on local social media platforms, with many residents reporting similar experiences and seeking clarification regarding the source of the smell."

Thorne residents have claimed that the recent heatwaves have made matters worse.

"During this weather when people should be enjoying being outdoors it is especially unpleasant," Pitcher added.

Karl Matthews, 50, runs Blood Brothers Custom Tattoo Studio in Thorne with his brother. They can see the poultry factory from their shop.

"There's always been a smell ever since I've grown up," Matthews said.

"It is an unpleasant smell and I would feel sorry for anyone who lives closer to it."

In May the factory was routinely inspected by the Environment Agency, with no issues around non-compliance with noise or odour restrictions found.

Local councillor Glyn Whiting, meanwhile, urged caution about blaming Chesterfield Poultry solely for the smell, and pointed out that other farms and industrial sites in the area could also be responsible.

Chesterfield Poultry Ltd said: "We are proud to provide employment opportunities, support farmers and suppliers throughout Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, whilst contributing to community initiatives and charitable causes. We also play an active role in the area. That commitment remains unchanged.

"We recognise that members of the local community may have questions or concerns and would encourage anyone wishing to discuss these directly with us."

The Thorne plant processes poultry from 60 family-run farms across the region, with farmers supplying 1m birds per week to the facility.

The company and MP will meet in August to discuss management of the odours.

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