OWNERS of the factory blamed for the so-called Penrith pong have revealed a £30m plan to tackle odours from the plant.

Environmental company Leo Group has pledged to upgrade its odour abatement equipment.

The upgrades to the Omega Proteins site in Penrith, which is owned and operated by Leo Group, will see the installation of innovative, renewable and clean technology, the firm says.

A new multi-fuel thermal oxidiser is being installed which will run on biomass fuel. This is in addition to thermal oxidisers and biofilters already on site.

A spokesman for Leo Group said: “We take our responsibilities seriously and endeavour to be good neighbours.

“We are continuously investing in new technology and have done since acquiring the site in 2002. We are also working closely with the environment agency in conjunction with our environmental permit.”

Omega Proteins is an animal rendering facility which means it processes by-products from abattoirs, meat-processing plants, and catering companies to create oils and meals which then get used by various other industries.

Residents in Penrith have been fighting against the bad smell that hangs over the town for more than a decade.

A resident of Penrith started an online petition when the smell returned during the last May bank holiday. The petition has more than 500 signatures calling for something to be done to tackle the smell for good.

The smell that comes from the Omega Proteins plant, based on the outskirts of the town, is apparently so pungent it has pushed people to move out of Penrith, become wary of buying property in the area, and keep their windows closed regardless of the weather.

“As part of the development we have built a new trailer shed and a separate automated washing facility,” added the spokesman. “This will allow vehicles to be stored in an airlocked environment until they are moved to be washed.

“Our plans also include landscaping the area surrounding the site with the planting of trees and the inclusion of a wet reed bed.”

The company is also inviting local residents to join its liaison group which meets every other month at the Penrith facility on Greystoke Road.

The spokesman continued: “We are committed to engaging with residents and the council to keep them informed, discuss issues and make improvements where required.

“We would welcome new members to the liaison group who could offer fresh ideas and proactively work with us to make positive changes that benefit the local community.”

Anyone wishing to join the group should email pr@leogroupltd.co.uk for details.