Le stench en Londre! – c’est pas le morbier?

This has a funny side and a not too funny side to the story. London and the south-east of England was enveloped by a powerful stench today and well, there’s no other way to say this, but it’s coming from the French over the Channel. From France actually – before I get too many irate French email me.

The smell, something like a burst sewer pipe and doggy-doo, has travelled via unusual winds from the agricultural and industrial lands on north-west France.  I suppose the comparison with doggy-doo is relevant as any of us who have tip-toed gingerly down the streets in France can attest…anyway, here’s a diagram of the problem:

This incident is the downside to high density industrial areas, especially in such locations as the source of this smell is. But back in 1858 they had a similar occurrence with the Great stink of ’58 – the sewers and cesspits of the city overflowed to bursting and the Thames became one giant fosse.

But back to today; apparently it was so alarming that people were calling the fire brigade and the police, but never fear folks, we can blame this on the French. Either that or someone in Calais was enjoying a slice of Morbier

Just added!

It appears Le Stench is now being called Der Stink! – Germany is now being blamed for the pungent pong which enveloped London and parts of England today. Although the average Brit is claiming that the smell is that which has pervaded the UK ever since England entered the Common Market. Brussels, take a bow!

Oh, the joys of being a member of the European Union.

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