AN ELEMENT of mystery still surrounds a farmyard pong which had Ledbury residents holding their noses last week and wondering what on earth the source could be, aside from the obvious.

The general consensus was that muck spreading was involved, but this has not been officially confirmed, only the fact that no agricultural regulations were found to have been breached.

Many residents were left hurriedly closing windows, despite heatwave conditions, as a powerful odour reminiscent of animal manure drifted over the town and kept returning on a southern or south westerly breeze.

There were complaints to Herefordshire Council and officers were despatched to investigate.

But they found nothing of concern, although they too noticed the stink.

The council has not said whether or not its officers managed to trace the source of the whiff.

A Herefordshire Council spokesperson said: "We can confirm that a complaint about muck-spreading odour in Ledbury was received, which the environmental health team investigated.

"No agricultural practice concerns were identified and the odour has now reduced significantly, although we will continue to monitor the situation.”

To residents, the odour appeared to be particularly strong in the area of the New Mills estate, but it was fairly widespread.

The pong led to lively debate on social media and, in particular, on the Voice of Ledbury Facebook site.

The smell was first noticed and commented upon on July 30, shortly at 7pm; but it returned with ever-diminishing powers during the days that followed.

The social media debate led to differing opinions, with some residents pointing out that if you live in the countryside, you must expect an element of inconvenience now and then.

Resident Gary Hancox said "the odour was so pungent you could almost chew it".

But Pauline Preedy said: "I'm used to it, I've lived in Ledbury all 64 years of my life; I'm just making light of it.

"It does stink though: it always has and always will, and it doesn't hurt to have a moan at times."

Resident Margaret Brooke said: "Don’t moan. Thank the farmers for preparing the ground to provide food for the table."