Shepherd Neame blamed for sewage-like stench upsetting Faversham locals

Residents have complained about a sewage-like stench coming from the brewery’s water recovery plant, which opened in 2013.

One resident Mark Gardner told a local newspaper: “We have lived with the smell of malt and hops for many years and we love that, but this is something different and will detract from tourism.

“Over the last three months it has been constant. We have to close our windows and sometimes it’s bad even with the windows shut.”

Head brewer Richard Frost said: “After implementing our new water recovery plant, we are aware of an intermittent odour from the site. This is from natural material, which is a by-product of our water recovery process. We are investing further in specialist measures to counteract the problem and work is already well underway.”

Swale Borough Council and the Environment are investigating the smell and say they are ‘monitoring the situation closely.’

Shepherd Neame is Britain’s oldest brewer and was officially founded in 1698, although there is evidence that its heritage pre-dates this period. Spitfire, Bishop’s Finger and Asah are among its most popular brands.