Airport chiefs at BAA have issued an apology to their long-suffering Bedfont neighbours after inflicting a dreadful pong on them for more than two weeks.
The alarming aroma, described by residents as 'acrid and oniony', descended on the area around West View a fortnight ago and has left many in the community complaining of coughs and headaches.
"It's disgusting," said resident Derek Nardone, who has lived in West View for 27 years.
"I don't normally have a problem with the airport but this smell is just awful. It makes you want to retch and once it gets into your home there's no getting rid of it."
The almighty pong is still affecting around a square mile of west Bedfont, forcing residents to keep their doors and windows closed.
It arrived soon after the heavy snowfall and anxious residents quickly tracked the source to nearby reed beds used to treat runoff from the runway.
As the stink continues they are growing increasingly concerned about the affect the chemicals may be having on their health.
"Everyone's coughing and getting dreadful headaches," said Mr Nardone. "The whole street is complaining about feeling poorly - it can't be good for people, especially the kids."
A spokesman for BAA has admitted the pungent smell' is a result of high levels of the aircraft de-icant glycol running off the runways and moving through their water filtering system at Mayfield Farm.
But he insisted the pong was merely unpleasant and not unsafe for nearby residents.
"We have been working closely with environmental and health agencies and do not believe that there is a risk to public health," he added.
"We sincerely apologise for the impact this is having locally, and offer assurance that we are working very hard to resolve the issue as quickly as possible."
