Nearly a thousand people have signed a petition to shut down the “toxic” and “unhealthy” compost waste site in Elstree.

The petition, set up nearly three weeks ago, is a plea to get MP’s and the Environment Agency to tackle the problem which has, according to homeowners close by, plagued them for years.

Reviva Composting on Elstree Hill South is a waste recycling company.

But residents say that the stench from the site has left them “feeling sick” and children can’t even play in the garden during the summer.

Elsa Reyes, of Sullivan Way, says that when it smells it is “toxic” and has even created her own protest group, STENCH.

“It’s very strong. It’s like an acidic chemical and makes me feel like I want to throw up. But I’m tired of complaining. There is no reason for this to stay.”

Craig Gardner, who works on Elstree High Street, will deliver his petition to Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden as well as Harrow East MP Bob Blackman.

“We have been told to complain to the Environment Agency when it smells but nothing happens. I hope this petition will make the EA realise how many people are actually affected by this.”

On some days, he says fumes from the site reach parts of Edgware and Stanmore.

In 2014, the Environment Agency issued an enforcement notice against Reviva to stop them taking more waste.

Despite concerns that the composting site is too close to businesses and houses, Reviva hold a Bespoke permit which allows them to operate closer than 250 metres. Within this permit, composting activity should take place inside a building.

The Environment Agency has revealed that Reviva have recently been issued an Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) which aims to reduce the impact of emissions on the environment.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “We are aware of odours being reported via our incident hotline. We carried out our most recent unplanned site November 16.

“There are a number of enforcement steps that we can take, when we need to, and will do as the situation dictates.”

Good composting practice will reduce odours. The advice we give to residents is to keep reporting odours when they detect them via our incident hotline on 0800 807060.”

Reviva were approached for comment.

The petition can be found on change.org