A MYSTERY sickening stench has swept over Shoebury, leaving tourists and residents holding their noses in despair.

The pungent pong has reportedly drifted up from Shoebury Common beach over the last month.

Possible causes had been mooted as preliminary work on a nearby housing development and sewage discharges.

But it is now understood the likely cause of the smell is rotting seaweed and lichen.

Peter Lovett, vice-chairman of Shoeburyness Residents’ Association, has urged people not to go near the seaweed.

He said: “I have been in contact with the Pier and Foreshore officers, and no beaches in Southend have been closed because of sewage.

“They have put it down to a storm about ten days ago. The storm cleared out the storm drain and lichen has grown on seaweed and has become very smelly.

“I would suggest people don’t go near it. I touched it and it’s soapy and greasy.”

He added: “The storm caused the problem with the seaweed but it’s been like it a while now.

“I live nearby and I smell it depending on which way the wind is blowing. The water has been fine though.”

Carole Mulroney, councillor responsible for the environment, said: “During hot weather rotting seaweed and algae, which are all a natural occurrence, can produce an unpleasant smell, and the quantity of them can increase rapidly in hot weather, like we have been experiencing.”

Anglian Water, as the sewage company for the Southend area, alerts the council to any overflows of sewage which would be subject to an investigation.

Ms Mulroney added: “If any of our beaches’ bathing waters were not safe to use, we would always alert residents by putting signage in place and sharing updates on our website and social media channels.

“We have five Blue Flag Awards and all eight of our beaches have been awarded the seaside award, which shows the quality of beaches and bathing water available across the city.”

An Environment Agency spokesman said:“We recommend that bathers take heed of any local warnings before heading into the sea.

“If any member of the public suspects pollution we would ask them to report this to our pollution hotline on 0800 807060.”