The Guardian World · Oct 17, 2026

Stinky business: south London bike shop hit by ‘unbearable’ stench from Thames Water sewer

But there is something foul in the air of this corner of the capital – and for once it’s not the traffic fumes hitting bicycle riders. A toxic stench thought to be caused by untreated sewage stuck in Thames Water drains has been emanating from the subterranean depths for months, most likely caused by the summer’s lack of rain.