The Public Health Team will investigate complaints regarding rubbish on private property, blocked drainage, filthy and verminous premises, odours, contaminated watercourses and other public nuisances.
Odours
We will investigate reports about smell problems. Advice on control measures will be given to the persons responsible.
If this advice is ignored and there is sufficient evidence of a nuisance, a legal notice will be served requiring abatement of the problem. If this is not complied with a prosecution may be taken.
Types of smells
- Electrics - typically a fishy type smell
- Drains - smell of sewerage may indicate a blockage in the drainage system or seepage from a defective drain/sewer (see drains).
- Pests - if there are pests living or trapped in the property that die, they give off a sulphurous type smell of deterioration. This should peak after around 2-3 weeks of the smell being noticeable, and the smell will then dissipate.
- Rotting food/waste - smell of deterioration that will peak and will dissipate over a short period of time.
- Lack of ventilation - musty/damp type smell .
- Chemicals - may be wafting from a nearby factory.
- Gas Leaks - call Transco on 0800 111 999 immediately. For further detailed advice about gas leaks, what to do if you smell gas and how the gas emergency service works, go to the Transco website via the link on the left.
Filthy and Verminous Premises We will investigate reports of dirty or verminous premises. Advice will be given to the person(s) responsible with details of other agencies who may be able to help.
If the conditions cause a nuisance or health risk to the occupant or neighbours, and the person responsible does not take the necessary steps, a legal notice may be served requiring remedial action.
If this is not complied with a prosecution may be taken. The Council may also carry out the necessary work and recover the costs.
Refuse Accumulations We will investigate reports of problems with refuse accumulations on
private land and take steps to try to arrange clearance.
If the accumulation causes a nuisance, and the person responsible is not cooperative, a legal notice may be served requiring clearance. If this is not complied with a prosecution may be taken.
Advice on litter and the law can be obtained from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (
DEFRA).
You can read the following leaflets on their website (see the link on the left)
- The Law Against Littering
- Litter and the Law
- Your Business, Your Rubbish and the Law
If you have a problem with refuse or litter
in the street or public areas, or a problem with your bin collections, contact the Council's
Care For Your Area section, telephone 01642 391959 or e-mail careforyourarea@stockton.gov.uk for advice and information.
