Notorious stench Leithers' biggest stink

Published on Wednesday 16 July 2008 10:23

THE notorious Seafield stench is more of a concern to people living in Leith than high levels of drinking and vandalism, a survey has revealed.

The study found that 119 people registered the issue of smell from the nearby waste treatment plant as something that concerned them.

This was significantly more than issues such as alcohol-related violence, vandalism, housing and litter, and prostitution.

Leith Central Community Council conducted the survey at the recent Leith Festival, giving residents three stickers to put on areas of concern.

Only the lack of facilities for young people caused more concern than the sewage smell, which often lingers over the area and has been a contentious issue for residents for years.

Several local politicians have long campaigned for a solution to the problem, including Leith councillor Gordon Munro, who described the smell as "very regularly pungent".

Stewart Blaik, chairman of Leith Central Community Council, said: "It was something that registered very highly indeed, although it should be said it's not something that affects us up here in Leith Central as much as Leith Links.

"I believe efforts are being made to resolve it and it's not something the authorities take lightly. It is certainly something that if you are in the area you can smell it, and for the residents there that must be an issue."