HS2 Ltd is introducing new measures to tackle a foul smell that has forced residents in Coleshill and Water Orton to keep their windows and doors closed during a heatwave. The move follows a direct intervention by North Warwickshire and Bedworth MP Rachel Taylor, who visited the site and raised residents' concerns with HS2 and the Environment Agency.
Residents describe 'unbearable' conditions
Local people in the Warwickshire villages said the aroma was making their lives 'unbearable'. The odour, linked to the storage and movement of excavated earth at the Birmingham Road site near Coleshill, has persisted despite previous complaints.
Rachel Taylor said: "Residents in Coleshill and Water Orton shouldn’t have to keep putting up with the stink from HS2. People deserve to be able to open their windows and enjoy their homes at the height of summer without being overwhelmed by foul smells."
MP takes concerns directly to HS2
Taylor said she took residents' concerns directly to HS2 and the Environment Agency after they told her the situation had become unbearable again. She also visited the site herself to see the situation and challenge HS2 on what more could be done.
"I made clear that residents expected urgent action and meaningful improvements, so I welcome that these important new measures are being put in place," she said. "I will be continuing to monitor the situation closely to ensure they are working, and won’t hesitate to push for further action if it is needed."
New measures include mist cannons and odour neutraliser
The new measures include almost doubling the number of mist cannons being deployed to dampen the smell, increasing the concentration of odour neutraliser, and improving wind monitoring so that odour control measures can be targeted more effectively.
Taylor urged residents to report any ongoing problems to both HS2 and her office. "If residents continue to experience problems, please report them to both HS2 and my office. I will continue making the strongest possible case on your behalf," she added.
HS2 responds to concerns
A spokesperson for HS2 Ltd said: "We hold regular meetings with Ms Taylor and her constituents so we can listen and act on concerns. We’ve been transparent about the cause of the odour, which is linked to the storage and movement of excavated earth."
"While it poses no harm to human health, we recognise it may be unpleasant for those living nearby – particularly during the recent hot weather. We are taking decisive action to alleviate this. Following our recent meeting with Ms Taylor and detailed information from nearby residents we are enhancing our mitigations in targeted areas including adding additional mist cannons."
The spokesperson added: "We encourage anyone with concerns to contact us, as this helps to inform our own detailed investigations."
