THE “pungent” stench from a new 1,000-capacity piggery is driving villagers to despair according to one homeowner – but a councillor says it’s something country-dwellers have to “put up with.”

The large piggery at Daniels Farm in Vicarage Lane, Claines – owned by North Claines parish councillor Peter Philips – was installed last month having been given the go-ahead by district planners.

A resident of nearby Egg Lane, who did not wish to be named, said “it’s not something we can live with” and is upset she and neighbours allegedly received no planning notices.

The 51-year-old said it is a “most disgusting rotten, urine smell” which has “intensified with the onset of the nicer weather.”

“I’ve spoken with my immediate neighbours and those further along Egg Lane and everyone is of the same opinion. The smell is so pungent we cannot spend time outside. We cannot open our doors let alone have a BBQ.”

She said she has reported the issue to the council and is encouraging others to do the same.

However, Councillor Tony Miller, who represents Lovett and North Claines on Wychavon District Council, said he has not been made aware of any complaints about the piggery

He went on to say it was mentioned at a recent parish council meeting but no members of the public raised any concerns.

“The main thing is that the husbandry of the animals is kept right,” he continued, adding the conditions will be monitored by animal welfare and the regulatory services.

“If it breaches conditions or becomes a nuisance it will be investigated and we will try to eliminate the problem. The solution will not be to remove it, but resolve the problem.”

He went on to say: “If you go and live in the country you have to put up with it.

“I have had complaints from people who have moved to the country and don’t like the cockerels waking them up. I’m sorry, but that’s what you signed up for.”

He said: “If you live next to a farm and it’s a working farm, it’s not a show piece, it’s producing food for us. People have got to accept it was here before them.”

Cllr Miller said some years ago the animals in a piggery at a farm in Fernhill Heath were being fed incorrectly and it led to “horrendous” odours as well as rats and flies in the village, which maybe making people “nervous” now.

Mr Philips was unavailable for comment when approached by Worcester News.