TALKS are set to take place with residents to prevent a tannery being known as the 'neighbours from smell.'

Generations of householders have been forced to put up with odours from the former Pierpoint and Bryant tannery in Thelwall Lane, says the Westy Environmental Campaign, and people now expected the present company to be good neighbours.

And management at Eagle Ottawa Leather Ltd, believe measures costing £1.3 million, controlling odour, noise and waste water emissions, demonstrates their environmental commitment.

Campaign chairman Bob Fleming, of Bruntleigh Avenue, said: "It has got to the point where the residents have had enough. The best way to describe the smell is like rotten eggs - only 10 times worse."

Matters came to a head when an extraction fan system shut down and the odours became unbearable. The company says specialist engineers were required to repair the problem and admit the incident was "regrettable".

Company environmental manager David Nield said managing director David Kerr had extended an open invitation for a meeting with the group so their concerns could be addressed.

"It is hoped this meeting will facilitate a closer working relationship between Eagle Ottawa and the community that will ultimately benefit both parties," he added.

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