RESIDENTS living near Mogden joined forces to create a stink over the continuing stench at the sewage works on Saturday.

Over 30 people from Twickenham, St Margarets and Isleworth staged a demonstration at the gates of Mogden sewage treatment works, to protest at a worsening odour situation over recent months.

They were supported by Twickenham MP Vincent Cable and Cllr John Chatt, leader of Hounslow Council.

Spokesman for Mogden Residents' Action Group Simon Fullalove said: "The problem is so bad at the moment we decided to stage a protest.

"We got a lot more people out who we haven't spoken to before. Many people thought there was nothing they could do about the problem, they didn't know that the website or complaints system is in place. So we were raising awareness of that. It was also a good show of strength."

The group are now planning to produce flyers to promote the website, which they will distribute in the area. Residents should email complaints@mogden.org.uk to log comments about any problems associated with Mogden.

Dr Cable said: "Like the residents I am fed up to the back teeth with being told by Thames Water that their latest piece of engineering work will solve' the odour problem. The last few weeks have produced some of the worst smells in my 30 years in Twickenham and we are in a dry climatic period which is supposed to be favourable.

"Much hinges on whether the two councils - Hounslow and Richmond - can make legal enforcement action stick. The government is refusing to be more forthcoming on legislation until the outcome of a local court case is clear.

"Where the government does have to act is to permit the water companies to pass through the cost of more effective, odour controlled sewage treatment in prices; at present the regulator will not allow pass through."

Hounslow Cllr John Chatt told the Times that he was pleased to show his support. He said: "Hounslow Council has taken an active interest in the issue and our legal action is still ongoing. Anything which is an issue for local residents is an issue which I should be concerned with and I was pleased to go along and show my support. Lots of people turned up and it was interesting talking to them to understand how they feel."