LONG-SUFFERING residents are having to endure the "Biffa whiff" once again.
In recent weeks, people living in Redhill's Watercolour Estate have complained to the Environment Agency about the stink emanating from the town's landfill site.
The putrid stench made headlines earlier this year when the Environment Agency was called in to investigate the facility in Cormongers Lane following hundreds of complaints.
Enforcement notices were put in place forcing site operator Biffa to carry out remedial work to better control the escape of gas from the landfill.
That work was completed during the summer, but residents say the stench remains a problem, both for those close to the site and further afield.
Resident Rose Mehmet said: "A few weeks ago we were informed the problem had been solved so why is it back again?
"Having the windows open on a nice day brings the smell in and it gets trapped in the house.
"It is horrible and infuriating. I notice it gets trapped in places like the Belfry shopping centre and other public places."
She added: "The authorities need to know about it. Sometimes you don't notice it is in the air, it is unpleasant but not so unpleasant you would complain.
"Then suddenly it gets stronger and it hits you in pockets, it's smelly like rotten eggs."
Public Health England and the Environment Agency were first called in January following complaints.
Remedial work was ordered by the agency in April and was completed in June, but at the time the agency warned that the smell from the site would never be gone for good.
This week, Hayley Willoughby from the Environment Agency said: "Biffa continues to make progress to reduce the impacts of odour and we are working closely with the operator and monitoring their compliance with their environmental permit.
"At this time of year odour from landfill sites tends to increase and operators, including Biffa, have plans in place to suppress this.
"Although we continue to receive reports of odour from the Merstham area and the Watercolour Estate, these have reduced significantly since January 2014."
She encouraged residents to call 0800 807060 if they experience significant odour problems.
Biffa had not commented by the time the Mirror went to press.
