RESIDENTS near a major Poole town centre development say a system to dampen down the unpleasant smell from the building site is not working.

For several months residents near the Pitwines area have complained of a gas smell coming from the site.

The odour from the former gasworks - which is being prepared to build 504 homes - was coming from banked up contaminated soil which has now been treated.

A few weeks ago the contractors installed a system called Bloodhound which emits a spray of water to dampen down any gases in the air.

But residents claimed at a meeting - between them, developer Crest Nicholson, contractors and the council - at Poole's consumer protection last Wednesday it can still be smelled as far as Poole Hospital.

Borough of Poole consumer protection set up a liaison group for regular meetings throughout the building after residents raised concerns.

David Howard, vice-chairman of Parkstone Bay Association, said: "There is a continuing smell and lack of progress on this.

"There's a smell in most areas - there have been complaints from Poole Hospital. We're not satisfied."

Jeff Morley, team manager of Poole consumer protection, said: "The treatment has been largely successful but there is still a small area giving rise to odour.

"We are now awaiting for lab results to see if the treatment of the dug up stockpile has been successful. If it has not, it will be treated again."

Mr Howard said residents were also unhappy about the recent noise from the site as work was done on the foundations.

Mr Morley said the hours the contractors could do this were limited to between 8.30am and 6pm Monday to Friday.

The next meeting will be at 2.15pm on September 9 at Poole's consumer protection offices. Building on the site began in March this year and could carry on for another four.

First published: August 30