ANGRY residents and councillors have hit out after Isleworth suffered one of its smelliest summers yet.

An increased population and high temperatures meant that residents living near Mogden sewage works in Isleworth, often had to cope with unbearable conditions.

Jessica Faella of Newton Road, Isleworth, said: "The smell really is a big problem in the area, especially where we live. I just hope something is done about it as soon as possible because this summer was just unbearable."

A resident of Park Road, Isleworth, who didn't want to be named said it often felt like circumstances were ganging up on him and his neighbours.

He said: "When the planes from Heathrow are overhead for half the day all you smell is aviation fuel. Then they change runways but, instead of getting sweet relief, you then have to suffer the rest of the day with the stench from Mogden. I've almost forgotten what this area is meant to smell like."

Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Councillor Corinna Smart said: "This summer has been a summer of major discomfort, not just round Isleworth and Hounslow South, but as far as London Road, to Thornbury playing fields and Osterley."

She also outlined her concern about management of the site that is owned by Thames Water, and said: "Bits and pieces of Mogden are literally breaking off and the people currently working there are working under extreme conditions."

Councillor Ed Mayne backed her views by adding: "This is absolutely unacceptable, we must not let Thames Water forget about Mogden. This is an unacceptable state of affairs which cannot continue."

Currently the council have issued two abatement notices against Thames Water, notices that require the water company to take action about the complaints made. However, court complications have meant that the processes are not currently being dealt with and it is not known when they will proceed.

Ms Smart said: "There has been an increase in complaints but not all of them come directly to us. If they do we can measure the level of the smell and put pressure on Thames Water to do something and perhaps issue another abatement notice."

A spokesperson from Thames Water said there had been a 'temporary increase in odour at the site' following a burst on the pumping main on September 11, resulting in sludge having to be stored on site before being transported by road in tankers, while repairs were made.

"We have done everything we can to resolve this as quickly as possible," he added.