ENVIRONMENT Agency staff are sniffing their way around Penrith this week after complaints about a smell in the town.

In 2019, 250 people signed a petition to rid the town of the infamous Penrith Pong, which they believed came from an animal rendering factory on the west side of town.

Town mayor Charlie Shepherd was unaware of a smell related issued this week.

He said: “I live on the east side so am not affected. I have been in town this morning, however, and it was a lovely still day and I could not smell anything out of the ordinary.

"There has been an ongoing campaign but I think sometimes it is exaggerated.”

An Environment Agency spokesman said: “Staff are trying to investigate several potential sources of odour in the town.”

The spokesman confirmed that there had been complaints about a smell, which was what was being investigated.

Trying to find the Penrith pong has seen Environment staff out and about with odour check instrument.

Officers have also been speaking to local businesses to ensure that they comply with permit conditions.