A perfume and fragrance manufacturer claims it has been the victim of a campaign which has “unjustifiably spread fear amongst the local community”.

Residents near Ungerer in Sealand Road, Chester, and The Green Party have continued to complain about fragrant smells emanating from the firm which employs 110 people and has been on site for more than 80 years.

And Cheshire West and Chester Council is currently examining the results of a second period of monitoring air quality in the area with the outcome subject to legal advice. Discussions about certain aspects of the case were taking place today (Wednesday).

But Ungerer, which makes chemicals used in household, toiletry and other consumer products, feels unfairly targeted.

In a statement, a spokesman said: “We have, for as long as we can remember, enjoyed a harmonious relationship with residents in the area and there has been a factory on this site since 1929. However, in the past couple of years there has been a targeted and sustained campaign against us which has unjustifiably spread fear amongst the local community.

“Today we want to take this opportunity to let local residents know the facts. We do not emit any substances into the environment that are harmful to people’s health or harmful to the environment.

“We are appalled that allegations have been spread amongst the local community suggesting otherwise because they are simply not true.

“To reassure residents, we have welcomed visits from representatives of Public Health England and the Environment Agency. Doctors and scientists from Public Health England have reviewed our operations and confirmed that we pose absolutely no risk to public health. Similarly the Environment Agency have expressed no cause for concern.”

Ungerer says it continues to invest in a programme to minimise the possibility of odours emanating from its facility including using various carbon filter systems.

The spokesman conceded: “Occasionally you may be able to smell fragrant odours coming from our premises but these odours are both infrequent, short-lived and do not occur outside of working hours.

He added: “Contrary to rumour we do not, nor have we ever, worked through the night and all extractor fans are turned off at night.”

Ungerer recently agreed to the establishment of a liaison committee, chaired by Cllr Reggie Jones, comprising company representatives, residents and council officers which met last month.

But Cllr Jones explained that the follow-up meeting never happened because residents decided to form their own separate group and he had decided to resign as chair.

“I stepped back in order to allow them to work with the community,” he told The Chronicle.

Ungerer concluded: “Our message to local residents is clear: As a responsible company we do not emit anything that could affect your health or negatively affect the environment. We are not the source of the ‘Sealand Stink’ and are doing everything we can to negate the occasional fragrant odours coming from our facility.”