Stink gets back to council

PUTRID: Foul smelling meat and bones scattered on the push-pad at Masterton's transfer station. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Foul smelling rubbish is getting up the nose of Masterton man Colin Gowans, who lives within a stone's throw of Masterton transfer station.

In recent days Mr Gowans has had to endure the stink emanating from discarded meat and animal remains left on the uncovered push-pad, a mere 80m from his home.

Mr Gowans spoke during a public forum at Masterton District Council's monthly meeting on Wednesday, telling councillors he had to not only endure the smell but also the visual discomfort of rubbish left out in the open.

He said feral cats roamed round, pulling open rubbish bags and that when it rained the smell heightened.

"I have no intention of spending this summer unable to entertain friends or family at a barbecue because of the putrid stink," Mr Gowans said.

He believed $130,000 had been put aside in the draft long-term plan and that the council was applying for funding to help covering-costs.

"Chief executive Pim Borren has taken the time to work with me to try to find a solution.

"All I expect is a fair go.

"I bought my place 13 years ago on condition the tip was closing and there was nothing in the LIM report to suggest a transfer station was going to be built 80m from my porch," he said.

Councillor David Holmes said he "sympathised entirely" with Mr Gowans.

He said Mr Gowans had been before council many times trying to get a solution and it was time to get behind Mr Borren's efforts to get something done about it.