NEW homes have been plagued by a vile stench forcing homeowners to stay inside with closed windows throughout lockdown.

Anglian Water will now invest £3million to fix the smell, described as “faecal and eggy”, by residents in Southend’s 228-home Ekco Park estate.

A petition was launched by residents calling for action, with the homes only completed two years ago.

Matthew Wallace, who launched the petition, said: “Residents in the new Ekco park development - particularly in the southern region of the new estate are having to endure gut wrenching smells in their gardens and inside their homes on a daily basis.

“Action needs to be taken to solve this problem causing misery to many residents.”

Residents have reported the vile stench for the last two summers.

Mark Flewitt, Tory councillor of the St Laurence ward, has been in discussions with Anglian Water, who have a sewage plant on the nearby Stock Road.

The water company has already covered and re-sealed tanks.

He said: “It sometimes moves into Prittlewell too. It needs to be eradicated.”

In 2015 Southend Council granted permission for Bellway homes to build on the plot neighbouring the sewage plant.

Concerns had been raised over the location.

Daniel Cowan, Labour councillor, told the Echo residents on the estate were not able to leave their homes throughout lockdown or open windows.

He added: “It’s been going on for two summers now. It’s not pleasant for the residents and I feel deeply for them as the issue can be unpredictable.

“There have been thorough investigations, which are ongoing. I have assurances from council officers this will continue to be monitored.”

The sewage plant has not been confirmed as the source of the smell.

A spokesman from Anglian Water said: “We have improved our monitoring equipment on site and an odour management plan has been agreed with the environmental health team, who we have worked closely with on over £30,000 worth of investment so far this year.

“We will be investing approximately £3million to improve our sludge processing on site, which is expected to be completely by March 2022 and will further help to reduce any potential odours.”