Seneca Environmental Solutions facing legal action over bad smell drifting in the air

Environment chiefs are considering legal action against a waste management company after it failed to comply with an enforcement notice demanding it put an end to a putrid smell.

Seneca Environmental Solutions was given a deadline of last Friday by the Environment Agency to clean up properties and get rid of waste after dozens of residents complained about a bad smell drifting across Neasden and Wembley.

The company was one of three issued with the notice, but while the problem was sorted at PJ Careys and TE Scudder, as the Times went to press, it was yet to be fixed at Seneca.

All three companies work out of Hannah Close in Neasden.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: “We have been advised by two of the three companies that they have complied with their enforcement notice and have now removed the waste from site as instructed.

“We can confirm that one of the companies has failed to comply with the notice and that we are now considering further action in line with our enforcement and civil sanctions policy.”

The Times reported last week that the Agency had received 49 complaints over the smell, which has now been apparent for almost a month.

Furious residents have demanded action, claiming they have been virtual prisoners in their own homes as they have been unable to have doors and windows open during the warm weather.

Karen Fannon, of Neasden, said: “It has made my house smell like I have had my rubbish inside for about a month. “This is not good. The smell has not gone and the people responsible should be closed down.”

Michael Mclarnon, Seneca operations director, said the company had been working tirelessly to repair the problem – which was caused by mechanical failure.

Mr Mclarnon said: “We are truly sorry for the impact on our local community and would like to assure all that not only will any remaining issues be dealt with expediently, but that we now have robust contingency measures in place.”

Brent Council said the matter was one which the Environment Agency was leading on but that it continued to highlight the matter.

Residents can call Seneca directly on 020 8900 0724 to report issues or get an update, while the Environment Agency can be contacted on the 24 hour Incident Hotline 0800 80 70 60.

n Have you been affecetd by the putrid smell? If so call the newsdesk on 020 7433 6241 or email alex.wellman@archant.co.uk.