THAMES Water has announced £2.5million plans to improve Little Marlow sewage works and stop bad smells escalating in the village.

The latest announcement came at Little Marlow Parish Council's meeting on Tuesday,December 13th, with work expected to start early next year for six months.

Plant bosses say it should end in the summer but that work had already begun "in earnest".

The announcement was strongly welcomed by councillors.

Cllr Clive Innocent, who sits on the sewage works liaison committee, said: "It makes it look like they are taking it quite seriously."

Cllr Terry Juby, vice-chairman, added: "We welcome the fact that although the problem still exists they are taking further steps to try and eliminate it."

Improvements to the engineering works will include enhancing site odour control.

Previous complaints from residents centred on the site's compost building and this will be addressed.

Thames Water has said it will reduce levels of ammonia in the building so workers will be able to tolerate a less stronger smell and doors won't have to be opened under Health and Safety regulations.

A survey by the company revealed that the compost building accounts for 72 per cent of the odour escape from the entire plant .

A Thames Water spokesman said: "The money will also go towards the improvement of sludge and other improvements around the site. "Indirectly, this will help to treat the odour in a better fashion."

Other improvements in the compost building include new fans to increase airflow by 40 per cent, new bays for the roof and a sprinkler to dampen dried compost.

However, William Northcroft, of Little Marlow Residents' Association, urged caution.

He said: "We have to be hopeful. We have persevered and stood by them for a long time without making undue fuss."