22/01/13….There’s a ‘pong’ in the air over Thame

RESIDENTS in Thame and other parts of the county and the Vale stayed behind windows and doors today after reports a ‘bad smell’ in the air, but apparently its harmless and is expected to dissipate soon.

The smell, described as being ‘like rotten eggs’ and ‘chemically’ is suspected of emanating from a cloud of gas that drifted across the Channel following an accidental discharge of ‘mercaptan’ from a factory in Rouen.

The gas is described as ‘harmless’ though it can cause nausea in some people. Residents in parts of Kent, East Sussex and other areas in the South East affected by the smell, have been advised to keep their doors and window closed.

Although the smell was reported in parts of Thame, local cyclist, John Francis, reported that it was stronger in the Milton Common area as he cycled home this evening.

PHOTO: Many people in the Thame area stayed inside today to avoid the ‘pong’ that pervaded parts of the town.