Dozens of people marched to protest against a composting site that is causing a "terrible stench" and is a "health hazard".

More than 100 people including residents and councillors marched from Hollybush car park to the Reviva site at the bottom of Elstree Hill South yesterday afternoon.

They have grown frustrated at the "lack of action" and demand that the site is shut down.

The march was organised by campaigners Elsa Reyes and Samantha Woods, who live near the site.

Borehamwood Times:

Crowds shouted "What do we want? Cleaner air! When do we want it? Now!" as the group made their way down Elstree Hill.

They are protesting against the waste site, which they say leaves a "nauseating" smell.

There are also concerns that airborne particles from the site are damaging people's health.

Reviva was given permission to use the site in 2010 after being forced to leave its former site in Woodcock Hill Farm in Borehamwood after complaints.

Protestors say permission "should never have been granted" in Elstree.

Ms Woods, who lives in Rodgers Close, said: "I have to keep my windows closed to protect my son because we don't just don't know what the smell contains. We don't know the levels of bio-aerosols and gases.

"Today has demonstrated that we are not alone and that there are plenty of other people suffering.

"We are for composting but not in this location. Even talking here, I can feel my chest getting tighter."

Borehamwood Times:

Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden will be meeting the Environment Agency and residents later this month to discuss the issue.

Mr Dowden said: "I know how concerned local people are about the Reviva compost recycling plant and how appalling the fumes it emits can be for those living and working nearby.

"Last year I visited the plant myself and in the coming weeks I am convening a meeting between residents, the Environment Agency and the county council to find a way forward."

Borehamwood Times:

Reviva currently work under a bespoke permit that allows them to operate within 250m of residential properties.

However, the site recently received a variation to its permit, which incorporates the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED). This will place "greater obligations on the site and their activities".

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: "There are a number of enforcement steps that we can take, when we need to, and will do as the situation dictates."

Reviva has been approached for comment.