Campaign to stop the smell affecting Calne

Your local Lib Dem team know how deeply frustrating the ongoing smell in Calne has been for so many residents. We’ve heard directly from people across the town about the impact it’s having on daily life, whether that’s being unable to open windows, enjoy outdoor spaces, or simply feel comfortable in their own homes.

Despite ongoing complaints, many residents feel that their concerns have not yet been adequately addressed. It is vital that the relevant authorities take this matter seriously, investigate the source of the problem, and implement effective, lasting solutions.

By signing this petition, you can help demonstrate the strength of feeling in Calne and push for the action our community deserves.

LOCAL UPDATES

The best way to stay up to date is by following Councillor Sam Pearce-Kearney on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/samincalne

Tuesday 24 March 2026

Update on the ongoing odour issues in Calne by Cllr Sam P-K:

Summary
I am deeply sorry that the smell in our community persists. This update covers the significant spike in reports (over 1,000 last week), the Environment Agency’s (EA) daily site assessments, and why it is vital that we continue to report every instance. While I have requested a public meeting, the EA needs to complete their current technical investigation first to ensure they have meaningful answers for us. I have also been in contact with Wiltshire Council, who are working closely with the EA and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to monitor the situation.

Full update
I want to start by saying how sorry I am that the odour issues in Calne are continuing to affect our daily lives. I know how draining and frustrating this is for everyone living with it.

A massive thank you to everyone who has taken the time to file a report over the last few days. Last week alone, the EA received over 1,000 reports from Calne. This surge in data is exactly what we need; it proves beyond doubt that this is a major problem. Interestingly, the weather conditions last week caused a spike in complaints across several regulated sites in Wessex, not just here in Calne, but our local volume of reports has ensured we remain a priority.

What is being done right now? The EA understands how desperate we all are for updates. Since last Thursday, officers from the Wessex Area team have been in Calne every single day. They are carrying out assessments during the "peak" times you’ve identified, specifically late at night and in the early hours of the morning, to pinpoint both the source and the intensity of the smell.

I’ve had many conversations about this lately, and someone mentioned to me yesterday that it feels like "a tap being turned on." I truly wish it were that simple to fix. In reality, gas and odour are incredibly complex and "transient." They move with the wind and air pressure; a smell can be overwhelming in one spot and completely non-existent just a metre away. This complexity is why the EA’s technical work is so painstaking. They aren't just looking for a leak; they are mapping an invisible, moving target.

It was encouraging to see the local MP, Sarah Gibson Chippenham Constituency, in conversation with Hills and preparing to visit them. Furthermore, the Environment Agency (EA) has now acknowledged that the current controls may not be working as intended which was reported on Calne News yesterday.

Public Meeting & Next Steps
I have formally asked for a public meeting. The EA is happy to facilitate this, but they have asked for our patience regarding the timing. They want to ensure that when they stand in front of us, they have clear information and a plan for meaningful progress, rather than just repeating what we already know. As soon as they have those answers, we will arrange a date. Make sure you are following me for updates.

Wiltshire Council’s Role
I also reached out to Wiltshire Council to see if they could take on some of the reporting. They have clarified that because the Hills Waste facility operates under an Environmental Permit issued by the EA, the EA is the only body with the legal power to enforce rules, prosecute, or revoke permits. However, the Council is very much involved. Their Public Protection team met with the EA last week, and they have a follow-up meeting scheduled to review the latest assessments. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is also part of these discussions to ensure public health remains a priority. It is frustrating to feel passed between organisations, but it actually protects our case if one body (the EA) holds all the data and leads the enforcement.

Please keep reporting
Please do not stop logging the smell. It is the only way to ensure the EA has the evidence they need to hold the operators to account. You can report on the phone using the 24/7 hotline 0800807060 or online using this link: https://calne.link/reportsmell

I will continue to push for a resolution and will share more news as soon as I have it.