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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Matthew Weaver

Stinky business: south London bike shop hit by ‘unbearable’ stench from Thames Water sewer

Tamas Polocz stands outside his bike shop. He is 49 with a short dark beard and brown eyes, and wears a black beanie hat, grey T-shirt and blue jeans.
Tamas Polocz’s bike shop faces closure because of an acrid smell from Thames Water sewers that makes it impossible to work. Photograph: Lily Renshaw/The Guardian

The leafy south London neighbourhood of Herne Hill is a haven for cyclists who can often be seen lapping the local parks and refuelling at the many cafes that line the suburban streets. But there is something foul in the air of this corner of the capital – and for once it’s not the traffic fumes hitting bicycle riders.

A toxic stench thought to be caused by untreated sewage stuck in Thames Water drains has been emanating from the subterranean depths for months, most likely caused by the summer’s lack of rain.

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