A FOUL smell has got up the noses of workers and residents.

The sewage-like whiff has been reported around an area of King Street in Blackburn.

One worker said the pong was ‘like a dead body’ and has been an issue for decades but has become a problem again recently due to the warmer weather.

Council chiefs said they were aware of the stench and will be monitoring it.

The smell has been described by businesses as ‘like rotting’, ‘like decaying’ and ‘like opening a sewage drain.’

Workers say it is coming from a place known as the ‘bone yard’, which is home to JG Pears, an animal rendering company.

Phill Ashworth, who works at a business on King Street, said he is concerned the impact the smell is having on trade.

Mr Ashworth, from Burnley, said: “We’re trying to sell kitchens and there are people coming in and complaining of a bad smell ­— it’s not good for the business.

“The smell is like a dead body and has been a problem for years but gets worse in the warmer weather.

“I’ve complained to the council but nothing is being done and I’m sick to death of it.

“It’s coming from a place known as the bone yard and they deal with animal parts apparently.”

Jonathan Varley, 41, from Mellor, who works for Great Harwood Property Maintenance, said: “We come to collect kitchen materials from the warehouses down near King Street.

“There is a really bad smell and we’re glad it’s been raised by other businesses.

“Something needs to be done about it.”

John Duerden, who works for RCModelz in Blackburn, said: “I’ve been working here for over 10 years and the smell has always been a problem since I’ve been here.

“It’s an ongoing issue that the council are aware of but nothing is being done about it.

“The smell is coming from JG Pears, known as the bone yard, as they deal with animal bones.

“It’s like opening a sewage drain and allowing it into your living room but in the shop instead.

Borough environment boss Jim Smith said the council would be speaking to the owners of JG Pears.

He said: “We’re aware of the issue and will be monitoring it.

“We’ll speak to the owners of JG Pears to see if there’s anything they can do about the smell.”

Paul Beaumont, group finance director of The JG Pears Group, said it takes its corporate and environmental responsibilities extremely seriously.

Mr Beaumont said their operatives strive to ensure day-to-day activities do not adversely impact on its neighbours and the local environment.

He said: “As a highly-reputable family business and local employer, we work very closely with the appropriate local authorities in reviewing our operations.

“The site in Whalley Banks, Blackburn, provides an essential service to the meat production sector, in collecting animal by‐product materials, and bulk hauling to processing facilities located elsewhere.

“The work of the site helps to ensure the bio security and sustainability of the animal agriculture sector.”

He added: “JG Pears is a member of FABRA UK (Foodchain and Biomass Renewables Association) and EFPRA (European Fat Processors & Renders Association) which are UK and European professional bodies representing the majority of the animal by‐products processing industry across the UK and Europe.”