Oxford: Concerns raised over 'gas' smell in Blackbird Leys

The smell near Spindleberry Nature Park has been described as a “mixture of gas and chemical”.

The pong was first noticed by multiple people living in the area yesterday afternoon (Tuesday, May 4) and has continued into today (Wednesday, May 5).

Gas distribution company SGN were called to the area after reports of what they called an “environmental smell”.

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The gas company confirmed that there have been no leaks from their gas network related to the smell.

Bradley Barlow, spokesperson for gas distribution company SGN said: “We attended the Blackbird Leys area of Oxford following reports of an environmental smell.

“Following an investigation, we have found no leaks from our gas network related to the smell.”

Resident Samantha Cornett has told the Oxford Mail she was informed the smell was coming from tarmac works at the Kassam Stadium and the nearby Thames Water sewage treatment centre.

Knights Road in Blackbird Leys (Image: Google Maps)She said: “I had a man from the gas company come round yesterday evening to check the house just in case.

“He said it is where they are using tar at the Kassam Stadium and the Thames Water plant mixed together. I could smell the tar as I live close.

“But that's not what I could smell around the area. It was a mixture of gas and chemical smell. It has never smelt like that here before.”

Thames Water confirmed that it has not received any reports from customers or other utility companies about an issue in this area.

Oxford United said it would not comment on this incident when approached.

Works were scheduled to begin in Spindleberry Close by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) today but these were postponed. 

A spokesman for the company has said the smell is nothing to do with SSEN.

The Oxford Mail has also approached Oxfordshire County Council but the authority declined to comment.