Ikea is being taken to court by people living near its flagship store in Sweden due to the "sewage smell" said to be emanating from it.

Local residents in Älmhult, southern Sweden, have been complaining about the noxious smells they believe Ikea is responsible for.

The first ever Ikea store opened in the town in 1958, but residents have claimed the smells began after it moved to a new site in 2012 and was connected to the municipal sewage grid.

In a written complaint, quoted by Smålänningen, a resident wrote: "I know that a neighbour opposite us explained that it's like the smell of fresh crap and that is pretty accurate."

Another said: "Today has been a record day and nothing positive. It smells so incredibly bad."

With a third declaiming: "Now you actually take hold of this with sewage smell in the Western Backgatan"

Älmhult Council tried to resolve the issue by sealing wastewater wells, undertaking tests and flushed pipes - the smells remained.

The council then contacted the store who then examined its food disposer and grease separators and found maintenance was overdue.

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In May, Ikea installed new equipment to suppress the smell but complaints have continued.

According to Smålänningen, tests have suggested Ikea could have exceeded official limits of grease and water released into the wastewater system.

The situation has now been reported to the national land and environment court to decide what if any measures Ikea should take.

An Ikea spokesperson said: “We are currently investigating the cause of the issue and taking the appropriate measures to rectify it as fast as we can.