People living near a compost plant say their homes have been "tainted" by a ‘revolting’ smell.

Fumes from the Reviva Composting site, in Elstree Hill South, Elstree have begun affecting homes in Elstree and Edgware for the second time in less than a year.

Neighbours of the site say they have made continuous complaints about the bad smell, which they claim affects their day-to-day lives.

The issue comes just six months after the Environment Agency issued an enforcement notice in October last year to prevent the site from taking more waste.

Julie Vincent, of Sullivan Way, Elstree, said: “Having just returned from a wonderful holiday I find my home is tainted by the revolting smell - it really is most distressing.

“Surely something has to be done about this. Last year there was an enforced closure to enable the operator to resolve similar issues.

“It is not acceptable to have our air conditions compromised in the name of recycling and business.

“When will Reviva be forced to manage the site properly or close down?”

Barnet’s Councillor Brian Gordon was inundated with complaints about the “pungent smell” last year and was active in telling the company it needed to be stopped.

He said: “On the whole people are very happy with how the situation has been handled since last time, but every now and again we still hear complaints about the smell – although nothing as bad as last October.

“They were told to change their methods and it seems to me for the most part this has been effective, but I will certainly raise the issue again if it gets as bad as it was.”

The site has now been ordered to remove some material from the site by the end of the month.

A spokesman from the Environment Agency said: “The Environment Agency has been receiving reports from residents of odours coming from the Reviva Composting site in Elstree.

“Our officers have visited the site and as a result of the visit have issued an enforcement notice to the company to remove some material from the site by May 1, 2015.

“People who notice any further incidents should report it to our Incident Hotline on 0800 807060.”

The Times Series is waiting for a comment from Reviva Composting.