Leeds residents have been left puzzled and concerned as the city is enveloped by an unpleasant stench. On Friday, September 6, the air was filled with a smell so foul that residents took to social media to share their experiences and theories.
Citywide Consensus: What’s That Smell?
Discussion buzzed in the LeedsPlace Facebook group, where Malcolm Chigaru initiated a conversation with a simple yet telling question: “Anyone know why it stinks everywhere?” Over 60 comments quickly followed, all narrating similar experiences of a nauseating odor.
Bradley Lomas from LS15 commented, “Noticed that today myself,” while Kim Ridgway-Bates added, “Probably street drains. Everywhere outside smelled of dog**** earlier.” The comments painted a vivid picture of a community united in confusion and discomfort.
Residents took turns guessing the source of the smell. Some, like Jenny Wren, commented humorously yet accurately, “Omg literally … poo everywhere .. LS18, 6 and 17,” while Melanie Sutton recalled, “I was upstairs thought the dog had a poo in the kitchen.” Angela Pauline Liebrand-Eaton added from Cross Gates, “I smell in Cross Gates it’s terrible.”
Possible Causes: From Drains to Muck Spreading
While the immediate reaction ranged from humorous to frustrated, some residents offered more practical suggestions. The most common theory involved local agricultural practices. Carl Haywood explained the situation as, “End of harvest so turning the earth and fertiliser on the ground so shit stinks.” Similarly, Scott Hanson believed, “Smells like muck spreading to me in the air.”
These guesses point towards seasonal agricultural activities like muck spreading, wherein farmers spread natural fertilizers over their fields, resulting in an overpowering manure smell. Sue Clarke’s observation supports this hypothesis: “I’ve noticed it today too both at work 7.5 miles away and at home in the garden. It smells like manure.”
This recurring pattern of citywide smells after agricultural activity suggests a familiar seasonal cycle concerning Leeds residents. Despite the discomfort, such activities are essential for maintaining local agriculture and ultimately contribute to the region’s food production.
While this explanation might not offer immediate comfort, understanding the likely cause provides residents a clearer picture of their city’s environmental dynamics. As unpleasant as the smell may be, it’s a reminder of the symbiotic relationship between urban and rural communities.
Stay informed with all the latest updates and insights about Leeds by signing up for our newsletter. Be the first to know about current events, ongoing issues, and more.
