Environmental Health are investigating the source of a foul smell in Little Lever, say councillors.

Many people have complained to ward councillors on the smell, they say has been on and off for a few years.

The smell is said to become stronger towards the canal and also at the top of Mytham Road.

Councillor for Little Lever, Sean Hornby said: "It has been passed on to Environmental Health, so they will start to investigate the cause now.

"It's not in the whole of Little Lever but you can smell it in some parts, particularly near the canal.

"It's a foul smel and really awful. It's been going on for a while now and quite a number of people have told me about it."

Cllr Andrea Burke also said that work is being done to establish where the smell is coming from.

She said she has contacted the environmental team at the council and also Bury Council as Little Lever is on the border of the authority. 

Cllr Burke told The Bolton News: "The smell has been going on a couple of years I'd say but just recently it's getting worse. It's like a rotting burning cabbage, it's awful. 

"We don't smell it all the time just at certain times and some days are worse than others. 

"Bury Council have been contacted by myself and also by residents.

"I have now reported this to our environmental services at Bolton Council and they will now do investigations to find out what the smell is. 

"It has been ongoing for too long now. Hopefully something will get done before bbq season.

"The residents are having to close their windows as the smell is revolting. Come summer this could stop people wanting to sit in their gardens."

One Little Lever resident said it has been going on for years. She said: "It's been going on for years, its about time someone came up with what's causing it, but I won't hold by breath."

Another person took to social media to state: "I agree, it was like rotting cabbage. Walking up Mytham Road yesterday, got just up to the top of road and the smell hit me, all the way through centre of village.