A MYSTERY stench dubbed the “Walton Whiff ” has been stinging nostrils and baffling residents along the coast.

The overpowering odour has been kicking up a stink across the area, with people in Walton, Frinton and even inland in Kirby Cross affected.

It is described as a pungent salty seaweed smell, which has been wafting over the towns and villages in waves.

Residents who have lived in the area all their lives say they have not smelt anything like the powerful pong before.

Samantha Byles, of Frinton, said: “I suppose I first smelt it about two weeks ago when I left work in Connaught Avenue at about 6pm.

“Since then, I’ve smelt it every night at home in Frinton Homelands, mainly in the evenings.

“I’d describe it as being a very strong seaweed smell, really like when there is loads on the beach, but stronger than anything I’ve experienced before.

“It’s more overpowering than being really bad I’d say. I don’t sniff it and think that’s awful, but it is just so strong.

“I’ve lived here for 29 years and never smelt it like this before, it’s so strange.”

The smell was given the name of “Walton Whiff ” on Facebook, where scores of residents from across the area reported being hit by the stench.

Trevor Street first noticed it while at the Triangle shopping centre, in Frinton.

He said: “To me, it smells like the rapeseed in the fields in combination with the sea.”

Mr Street dubbed the odour “The Great Walton Whiff ” when he posted about it online.

The stench has even been getting up people’s noses several miles from the sea in Kirby Cross.

Aline Garner said: “It is just a very strong smell of the sea, like a seaweed smell, even in Kirby. It came in waves throughout the weekend.

“It’s not terrible, just typical of living by the sea, but so much stronger.

“I’ve lived here 30 years and it’s never been like this. I have no idea what could be causing it.”

Nigel Brown, Tendring Council communications boss, said it had not received any official complaints about the smell.

“However, we are aware of the situation and believe that is being caused by seaweed on the rocks giving off the strong aroma,” he added.