Knowsley Council is investigating a "strange smell" that has plagued the borough this week.
People started reporting a "weird" and "funny" smell in the Roughwood Drive area of Kirkby on Wednesday, January 17. The smell led to emergency services, including Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Cadent, heading to All Saints High School at around 10.57am.
The unknown smell led to the school being evacuated, before they released a statement later the same evening to reassure parents there was no major concern and the school would reopen as usual on Thursday. However, on Thursday January 18, the school sent a second message to parents informing them children would be sent home for a second time due to the smell.
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Knowsley Council confirmed the Environmental Health team have received several reports of a foul odour, often described as “rotten eggs”, from several locations in the borough over the past two days. Officers have been working with the fire service and Environment Agency to investigate reports.
However, the council confirmed: "None of the tests undertaken have identified any health concerns from the odour, and work continues to identify the source. Cadent have investigated all reports and found no evidence of any issue on the gas network. Possible causes of such smells could include factory discharges, aviation fuel, docks activity, or many other reasons."
However, anyone who smells anything strange should ring the gas emergency service on 0800 111 999 if you smell gas, suspect the presence of carbon monoxide, or notice damage to gas pipes.
In Kirkby, All Saints Catholic High School has decided to close tomorrow as a precaution whilst the problem persists. Knowsley Council added: "It is important to be clear that tests at the school have not identified any reason for concern, but further tests will be undertaken by all agencies on Friday 19 January 2024 in order to provide sufficient reassurance for the school to reopen as normal on Monday morning."
A letter was sent out to pupils by the school confirming there would be a further update tomorrow, but the school will hope to re-open on Monday, January 22.
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