Shoppers have spoken out over a ‘sewer smell’ emanating from a major town centre street.

The smell was said to have been lingering for several days on Northgate, close to King George’s Hall in Blackburn, but appears to have disappeared - for now.

Local businesses confirmed there had been a smell in and around Northgate over the weekend and also told of a strong 'sewer like smell', but by Thursday it had disappeared.

One shopper who frequents the area said: “There some sort of sewer smell and it was wafting into one of the shops I visited.

“I am not sure what it was. It was definitely noticeable. It could be the work they are doing opposite King George’s Hall. 

“Some have said it is an animal manure smell but its definitely not animal, more human, like an open sewer.”

He said he visited the area on Sunday and it was it was still there two days later when he returned Tuesday.

Other Lancashire Telegraph readers had also noticed the smell.

Jennifer said on Facebook: “Definitely on Monday going up to the car park where clock tower is, and the smell was unreal to the point were you could gag.”

Gillian said: “Went other day, awful. Like the drains need doing. Unless it's the grit they put down. That smells the same.”

Blackburn with Darwen Council did not have any information at this stage, instead pointing us in the direction of United Utiliies.

It is not the first time there has been a smell in that area.

In March 2021 United Utilities engineers believed a substance had leaked into the sewer system leading to complaints in and around the shopping centre.

At the time United Utilities and staff from Blackburn with Darwen Council’s environmental protection team were said to be close to identifying and locating the substance.