AN INVESTIGATION has been launched into foul smelling drains in Northwich town centre.

Northwich Town Centre has asked United Utilities to look into the issue, which has disgusted shoppers for years, in the light of resurfacing work in the town centre.

Clr Brian Jamieson said: "Most people will know that in Witton Street where it goes down past Bratts and Holland and Barrett there's a smell and it's a pretty foul smell.

"It's not just happened, its been happening for years and years and years.

"It's permanent for that area of the street and it's awful."

The council has contacted United Utilities to find out if anything can be done.

Clr Jamieson said: "It is a United Utilities problem really.

"I remember it dating back to the days of Vale Royal Borough Council, it's been going on a long long time.

"There's a problem with the sewers and somehow gas is escaping and coming into the public highway.

"The officer from United Utilities said she would do some investigation and I know she's started but it's something we need to progress if we can.

"It would be a shame if they finish all of the new surfaces in Northwich with the stone and we still have the same drains."

Clr Jamieson has also spoken to Cheshire West and Chester Council, which has carried out the resurfacing work around Northwich Library and in the Bull Ring as part of its Weaver Valley project work.

Clr Jamieson said: "I did have some discussion with Catherine Fox from Weaver Valley when they were talking about the work done by the library and I asked whether when they did the road surface there would they do the drains.

"The answer was that there's no money to do it."

A spokesman for United Utilities said the team that covers the area will carry out investigations to check whether its sewers are playing any part in the odours, or whether they can be ruled out.