THE big pong: Local residents complained last week of the very unpleasant smell around the area. Suspicions were directed towards the digester at Kennel Farm.

Basingstoke and Deane environmental health officers were alerted and worked with the Environment Agency to track down the cause. They report that the smell actually originated from fields in East Oakley being spread with chicken manure. Until the manure is fully incorporated, which takes several days, the smell continues.

Dry weather last week and prevailing winds were also said to contribute. It is to be hoped that the smell has dissipated by the time you read this.

DEEP clean: Hatch Warren has been selected by the council as an area for a deep clean this September, including cutting back trees and shrubs which missed their routine maintenance earlier in the year due to resources being stretched following the flooding. The plan is to place a map in the community centre so that residents can mark up areas they feel need a clean-up. More details when I have them.