Markus Campbell‑Savours MP has chaired a second meeting between the Environment Agency and Penrith Town Council to address ongoing odour concerns affecting residents and businesses across the town.
The meeting, convened by the MP at the request of Penrith Town Council, brought together several councillors, including the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, alongside council officers and Jeff Thomson, a local resident actively engaged on the issue.
Discussions focused on the potential causes of the odour, its reported impacts on physical and mental wellbeing, and the adequacy of current Environment Agency permitting arrangements.
The meeting was constructive and resulted in a number of actions for further consideration by the Environment Agency and potential future actions on the part of the community.
Markus Campbell‑Savours MP said: “I was contacted by Penrith Town Council regarding air quality and odour issues in Penrith and expressing their concerns that the Environment Agency had declined to meet with them. Whilst I recognise Penrith Town Council has a limited role in these matters, they are elected members just like myself, and the community expects us to challenge those responsible to prevent this disgusting smell. I am pleased that Jeff Thomson from Fresh Air for Penrith was in attendance and I support his drive to see Penrith residents raise their concerns with the Environment Agency on the days when the problem presents itself. It’s only through creating this evidence base that we can ensure regulators like the Environment Agency will take responsibility. In the days following our meeting and with this unusually hot weather, my inbox is bulging with residents expressing concerns. My message to those responsible is work with the community, accept there is a problem and fix it once and for all.”
Penrith Town Council will provide updates as work progresses and thanked Markus Campbell‑Savours MP for convening and chairing the meeting.
