A Buchan farmer has been hit with a council enforcement order after neighbours kicked up a stink about the smell of his pigs.
Residents have complained that the stench of slurry from Baluss Farm, near Mintlaw, can be detected across the village and now Aberdeenshire Council has taken legal action.
The local authority confirmed yesterday that pig farmer Sandy Howie had been served with an abatement notice.
If Mr Howie does not take steps to prevent the problem, he could face criminal proceedings and a maximum fine of £20,000.
Bill Doverty has lived in a house 200 yards from the farm for more than 40 years but says the stench has never been as bad as it is now.
The 74-year-old said: “After he laid the slurry onto the fields, we had one week from October 6 which was great – it was like having fresh air back again.
“But today the stink of the pigs was revolting.
“I’m sure he’s as annoyed by the situation as people on the estate. It’s as if the piggery is not able to be controlled properly.
“But the fact we’ve had a week free of smell shows something can be done about it.”
The problem began in 2011 when the established farm was granted planning consent for three pig rearing buildings and slurry tank.
Enviromental health did not object on the understanding the storage tank – described as being the size of a Commonwealth swimming pool – was covered by a lid.
But Mr Doverty claimed no lid has ever been used.
Mr Howie – former chairman of Scottish Pig Producers – declined to comment last night.
Council waste management boss Ian Robertson said: “We will continue to work with the operator in any way we can whilst at the same time keeping the local community appraised of developments.
“Throughout the process the operator has been understanding and co-operative and I am hopeful that this approach will continue until we resolve a situation which has clearly affected local residents.”
Mr Howie may now appeal the abatement notice.