A PROJECT to build new homes on Manchester City Football Club's old ground is kicking up a bit of a stink.

Preparation work to make the Maine Road site safe began yesterday, with an environmental "bio-remediation" scheme to remove underground contaminants from the site.

But pungent smells are expected to hover over the site, which borders Fallowfield, Rusholme and Moss Side, until the work is finished early next year.

However, residents living nearby say they hadn't been told about the smell, which project bosses say is harmless and which they hope to control with industrial-strength air freshener. Millie Henry, who lives close to the site, said: "Recent building projects on Princess Road have thrown up some nasty smells and we already have the stench of the nearby brewery to cope with.

"If the council want to show people they care about the area they need to keep us informed. We have heard nothing on this."

Community worker Terry Brandy, said: "The stink won't be so bad as long as it's only for a few weeks."

Bacteria

The bio-remediation scheme, which uses bacteria to break down chemicals, has also come under fire because its start has been delayed. Coun Paul Shannon, Manchester's deputy Liberal Democrat leader, who represents Rusholme and lives near the site, claims the work should have begun 12 months ago, but was held up because bosses under-estimated how long the Environment Agency would take to grant a licence.

He said: "By the time they start building it will be nearly four years since the club left."

Coun Alistair Cox, chairman of the Maine Road steering group and Labour member for Moss Side, admitted the smell had only been mentioned in steering group meetings.

But he denied council chiefs expected the work to begin any earlier than Spring 2006.

He said: "We are aware of the smell issue and we want to reassure the public there is nothing dangerous about this."

* Anyone with concerns can call South Manchester Regeneration Scheme on 0161 277 1880.