But a long-awaited solution could finally mean people in the city can stop holding their noses to avoid the stench of the 'Whitlingham Whiff'.

People in the city, particularly in Thorpe St Andrew, have long had to put up with potent smells emanating from Anglian Water's Whitlingham Water Recycling Centre.

Water treatment at Whitlingham (Image: Ian Mackie)

The Whitlingham centre, in operation since the 1830s, processes wastewater from across Norwich and Norfolk, including sewage and surface water.

The treatment process, which involves filtration, settlement and biological treatment, features several steps which create odours, while solid and smelly 'sludge cakes' are created for use as fertiliser.

The sludge cake at Whitlingham (Image: Ian Mackie)

Ian Mackie, Conservative county councillor for Thorpe St Andrew, has been lobbying Anglian Water for action over the unpleasant odours - and believes a breakthrough has been made.

Mr Mackie said: "For too long my........

© Eastern Daily Press