There's a stink in the air
For the past couple of days, Keyworth residents will have noticed a strong unpleasant smell in the local air, probably caused by the spreading of pig slurry on a local farm (the location of which is still not confirmed). After receiving some complaints from residents, I have asked the Environmental Health department of Rushcliffe Borough Council to investigate and, if necessary, ask the farmer to desist.
The legal position is:
- It is generally legal for farmers to spread muck on their fields.
- The Council may have cause for action against the farmer if the manure is likely to contaminate watercourses.
- The smell might be considered as a statutory nuisance if Environmental Health officers agree. If so, the farmer would be told to stop the muck-spreading unless he can prove he is using "best endeavours" to avoid or minimise the nuisance.
