An enraged former councillor has repeatedly slammed a top politician and the council over the “big stink” he claims is being emitted from a factory – which he also fears will put off new businesses coming to the area.

Former Bucks Council Cllr Murray Harrold has again criticised Aylesbury MP Rob Butler and Bucks Council over the ongoing smell he claims is coming from Olleco, on Samian Way in Buckland, arguing that despite his constant complaints neither is doing “fe*k all” about it.

Mr Harrold has repeatedly vented his frustrations with both parties online in recent months about the cooking oil supplier, claiming other local councillors and resident groups have also highlighted the issue.

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He urged the council to ‘fix the situation’ and to consider “a rebate on the £300,000 [business] rates”.

He also said it should consider the new “enterprise” Aylesbury is possibly “not going to get” because of the foul smell.

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Olleco is the “UK’s leading supplier of premium cooking oils and fats, as well as its largest collector of used cooking oil and food waste,” according to its own website.

This is not the first time there has been local outrage. Proposals put forward in September 2020, allowing more food waste to be pumped at the waste management centre had locals made sick by “rotten” smells fearing things could get worse.

Despite his ongoing social media campaign, Mr Harrold claims the council and Rob Butler MP do not ‘give a s**t’.

Bucks Free Press: Bucks Free Press: A spokesman for Rob Butler MP said: “Rob has visited local residents in the village of Buckland and has had several meetings with representatives of Olleco, where he raised his constituents’ concerns.

“He has been assured by the management of Olleco that they treat very seriously every report of unpleasant odours and seek to minimise the impact of their factory on their residential neighbours.

“Rob also raised local people’s concerns with the Environment Agency, who informed him that Olleco was compliant.

“Rob is always happy to raise his constituents’ concerns with government, businesses and any other organisation, as he has done so ever since he was elected.”

Cllr Nick Naylor, Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Regulatory Services, said: "As part of the planning process for the Olleco anaerobic digestion plant, our Environmental Health team was consulted.

"The application included an independent odour emission assessment which was reviewed. The assessment indicated that there was a negligible risk of odours from the plant having an adverse impact on neighbouring properties.

"In addition to this assessment, the site must operate in accordance with an environmental permit which has been issued by the Environment Agency (EA).

"Should neighbours be experiencing issues of odour, they should first contact the EA. In fact, we've recently been approached by the EA concerning this particular matter and we will assist them, as appropriate, with their investigation."

Olleco was also approached for comment.

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