Foul smells are causing a huge stink for homeowners in a rural Ribble Valley estate.

The problem, which had been going on for months said a tenant, was caused by pungent smells from a septic tank leaking into people’s homes. 

A company tasked with managing the properties has said it is investigating the issue and a specialist contractor is now looking into how the problem could be solved.

One resident said the issue appeared to be affecting homes at Jubilee and Lancaster Cottages in Trough Road, Dunsop Bridge.

The resident said: “This has been going on for several months and began earlier in the year.

“We would not have made an issue of it were it not for the length of time this has been going on.

“People pay a lot of money to live here and this has completely ruined our lives.

“The smells have led to some people feeling ill. It is certainly not good for anyone’s health. It is a pungent smell emanating from the septic tanks we have learned.

“The smell is completely overbearing and the gases are building up and coming into the homes.”

The resident said they had complained about the stench at the properties, a group of terraced homes with idyllic views in the remote village.

“We have complained but more needs to be done as people cannot live like this," they added.

The properties are managed by Onward Homes which said an investigation was ongoing despite action to fix the problem earlier in the year.

A spokesperson for Onward Homes said: “These homes are served by a separate water treatment plant that we regularly service and maintain. 

"After we became aware of issues with the drainage earlier this year, we visited to investigate and completed repairs.

“Unfortunately, the issues have persisted and we have commissioned a further investigation and repairs through a specialist contractor. We will complete this work as soon as possible.

“We understand that this has been distressing for customers and would like to assure them we are working to put this right.

"We are in contact with customers and will continue to work with them to understand if they need any extra support from us during this time.”