Polestar, the part Chinese-owned electric brand spun out of Volvo, is to abandon the United States after the Commerce Department refused it permission to keep selling new cars, making the company the first casualty of a sweeping American clampdown on Chinese technology in vehicles.

The decision is the opening blow from a rule designed to strip Chinese-written software out of any new car that connects to the internet, a measure Washington frames as shutting the door on the cameras, microphones and GPS systems that it fears could be turned into surveillance tools by a hostile state. For Britain’s small and medium-sized suppliers watching the trade winds, it is a pointed reminder that ownership and code, not just where a car is bolted together, now decide market access.

Polestar, which is controlled by the Chinese motoring giant Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, had applied to carry on selling under a waiver process written into the rule. The government turned it down, the company confirmed on Thursday. The Commerce Department did not immediately comment.

The brand said it would keep selling its remaining American stock and would honour servicing and repairs through its existing network, leaving current owners covered even as the shutters come down on new sales.

Drawn up under the previous administration, the “connected vehicle” rule restricts the import or sale of cars whose hardware and software are tied to China, on national-security grounds. The final rule took effect in March 2025 and has been carried forward rather than unpicked by the current White House.

Carmakers were given until March of this year to certify to the US government that their products carried no code written in China or by a Chinese company, or else to petition for authorisation to keep selling from the 2027 model year onwards. It is a high bar, and one that bites on corporate parentage as much as on the bill of materials.

That distinction explains an awkward split within the Geely empire. Volvo, also majority-owned by the Chinese group, secured authorisation in May to keep trading in the US, after what it described as a case-by-case review and talks with officials over its technology and data security. Polestar, working through the same process, did not clear it.

The rejection is the latest step in a broader American push to wall off Chinese-owned cars. Lawmakers have spent recent weeks floating legislation that would go further still, barring Chinese manufacturers from even building vehicles on US soil.

Polestar had sounded confident it would comply. Chief executive Michael Lohscheller said in a recent interview that the company was “in good dialogue with authorities” about an exemption, adding: “The US is important because obviously it’s a big market.”

Founded as Volvo’s performance and motorsport arm, Polestar became a stand-alone brand in 2017 and was hived off as a separate company in 2021, floating through a special-purpose acquisition vehicle at the height of the electric-car frenzy, when traditional carmakers and start-ups alike scrambled to chase Tesla’s vertiginous share price.

It launched with the limited-edition Polestar 1, a hybrid coupe priced at $156,000, and the Polestar 2, a sporting electric saloon built in China that took early aim at the Tesla Model 3. But a thin line-up left it exposed, particularly in the US, where buyers lean heavily towards SUVs and pick-up trucks. The shares now change hands at $19.22, down 96 per cent from a closing peak of $459.90 in November 2021.

Its Chinese ties had already proved costly. Punitive tariffs imposed by both the Biden and Trump administrations pushed the China-built Polestar 2 out of the American range. Today the brand sells the Polestar 3 SUV, made at Volvo’s plant in South Carolina, and the Polestar 4 SUV, shipped in from South Korea, neither of them built in China.

Polestar said it would now concentrate on shoring up its European business, which already accounts for roughly 80 per cent of global sales. The pivot lands at a moment when the politics of Chinese-built electric cars is fraught on both sides of the Atlantic, with the EU pressing ahead with tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles despite resistance from Germany.

Britain, for its part, is treading a notably different path, courting rather than repelling Chinese capital. The recent Nissan deal to build Chery’s cars in Sunderland underlines how far the UK’s calculation diverges from Washington’s, even as ministers face their own pressure to rethink the 2030 timetable for phasing out petrol cars.

For Lohscheller, the lesson is that the global car market is fragmenting along geographic lines. “The automotive industry is entering a new phase, based on regional dynamics,” he said on Wednesday. For Polestar, that new phase begins with a continent’s worth of ambition and a closed door in the world’s most valuable car market.

Jamie Young

Jamie is Senior Reporter at Business Matters, bringing over a decade of experience in UK SME business reporting.
Jamie holds a degree in Business Administration and regularly participates in industry conferences and workshops.

When not reporting on the latest business developments, Jamie is passionate about mentoring up-and-coming journalists and entrepreneurs to inspire the next generation of business leaders.

Yemi, a mother of four energetic boys and her husband Temitayo also benefitted from a SFHF holiday to Skegness.

“It was our very first holiday as a family, and when we found out we were going, we were so happy” she said.

“For my boys, it was their first time on a train, and they were beyond excited,” she said.

She said her youngest child, Ayosubomi, was a “lockdown baby” and had missed out on interaction with other children.

Yemi said the holiday had a “wonderful outcome”.

“He came home from school and told me about how he’s been playing nicely with other children and sharing toys.

“His behaviour has improved so much, and I’m incredibly proud of him”.

Helen Bolt the family services manager for Sheffield Young Carers who refers families to the charity describes the holidays as “transformative”.

“They create space for positive shared memories, something many families may not otherwise have the opportunity to do.”

“They help improve family functioning and emotional wellbeing long after the holiday ends.”

ARLINGTON, Texas — Anthony Elanga scored a second-half stunner to secure a last-32 spot for Sweden as they came from behind to earn a point against Japan in Friday’s Group F finale.

Sweden Through as a Top Third-Place Finisher

Graham Potter’s side sit on four points — in third place in Group F — which will be enough to send them through, where they will play one of France, Norway, Germany, or Switzerland.

Japan Advances to Face Brazil

Japan finish second behind the Netherlands, who comfortably beat Tunisia, and will face five-time World Cup winners Brazil in the last 32.

A Beautifully Worked Opener From Japan

Celtic’s Daizen Maeda put Japan into the lead in the 56th minute following a lovely move, with Ayase Ueda and Ritsu Doan playing a one-two before the latter teed up the goalscorer.

A Quiet First Half Before the Drama

The first half had been quiet, with both teams seemingly content with a goalless draw as the game lacked energy. But that changed after the break, and within six minutes of Japan’s goal, Elanga leveled the game for Sweden.

Elanga’s Equalizer

The Newcastle United winger, making his first start of this World Cup, stepped in from the left before firing a powerful strike from the angle of the box past Japan keeper Zion Suzuki, who appeared to see the ball late and could not keep it out.

A Match That Cooled After the Equalizer

The pace in the game fizzled out somewhat following the second-half hydration break, but Elanga and Alexander Isak did force two good saves from Suzuki in stoppage time as Japan held on to their second-place position in the group.

Potter Continues to Lift Sweden

After being thrashed 5-1 by the Netherlands in their second group game, it was far from a straightforward task for Sweden to get a point against an impressive and hard-working Japan side. Potter had to pick Sweden up after they finished bottom of their group in a nightmare qualifying campaign, yet navigated their way to this tournament through the playoffs, thanks to their Nations League ranking.

Here he managed not only to lift them after that calamity against the Dutch, but also when they went behind on the night — as defeat would have left them sweating on their progression. It did take a moment of magic from Elanga, who was visibly frustrated at full-time for not finding a winner, but Sweden showed resilience to respond in this game, and Potter has achieved what was surely the minimum objective for them in reaching the knockout stages.

A Warning Ahead of the Knockout Rounds

They will need to be more defensively resilient than they were against the Netherlands if they face France in the last 32, of course. Yet if Potter can find a way to ensure Viktor Gyökeres, Isak, and Elanga are still a threat — while keeping it tight at the back — they cannot be ruled out.

Match Details

Friday’s match was played at Dallas Stadium in front of 70,137 fans, with Japan’s goal assisted by Doan and Sweden’s equalizer assisted by Gyökeres.

A Test of Character for Sweden

The dramatic comeback completes a turbulent group-stage journey for Sweden, who had entered the tournament needing to navigate the playoff path after a difficult qualifying campaign, only to suffer one of the heaviest defeats of the tournament so far against the Netherlands before responding with the kind of resilience under Potter that ultimately secured their place in the round of 32.

What’s Next for Japan

Japan will face Group C winners Brazil on Monday at 6 p.m. BST at Houston Stadium, setting up a high-profile knockout-stage clash against one of the tournament’s traditional powerhouses.

What’s Next for Sweden

Sweden’s last-32 opponents are not yet known, but as the bracket currently stands, they will play France on Tuesday at 10 p.m. — a daunting potential matchup against one of the tournament favorites that will test whether Potter’s side can tighten up defensively after their earlier struggles against the Netherlands.

With both Japan and Sweden now confirmed for the knockout stage, attention turns to how each side approaches the considerable step up in quality awaiting them in the round of 32. For Japan, a clash with five-time champions Brazil represents arguably the biggest test of Hajime Moriyasu’s tenure, while Sweden’s likely meeting with France will require Potter’s team to replicate the attacking spark shown by Elanga, Gyökeres, and Isak while shoring up the defensive frailties exposed in their lopsided loss to the Netherlands. Both nations will now turn their full attention to preparing for matches that carry significantly higher stakes than Friday’s group-stage finale, even as that result itself proved decisive in securing their respective places in the tournament’s next phase.

Nearly five months after 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie vanished, new information about a February ransom note claiming she is dead has surfaced, prompting her family and investigators to reaffirm that the case remains active and that they are still seeking leads.

How the Disappearance Began

Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show anchor Savannah Guthrie, was last seen on the evening of January 31, when a family member dropped her off at her Tucson, Arizona, home after dinner. She was reported missing the next morning, and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department launched an investigation.

The First Notes Surface

In the days that followed, purported ransom notes containing alleged details about Nancy Guthrie’s suspected abduction were sent out. Savannah Guthrie said during an NBC interview in March that she and her family believe two of those notes — the first of which demanded money — “are real.” But now, nearly five months after the abduction, NBC News, ABC News, and CBS News reported on June 22 that the second note claimed Nancy Guthrie was dead.

February 3: First Notes Confirmed

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told CBS News that a local news affiliate, later confirmed to be KOLD News 13, received a letter on February 2 that “contained specific details about the home and what Nancy Guthrie was wearing that night.” Nanos said he shared the note with Savannah Guthrie.

On February 3, TMZ reported it also received an alleged letter demanding money in exchange for Nancy Guthrie’s release. That same day, reporters for The Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network, witnessed blood, later confirmed to belong to Nancy Guthrie, on her front porch. Officials later revealed that these initial notes provided two deadlines: one for 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, and another on Monday, February 9.

February 4: The Family Speaks Out

Savannah Guthrie and her siblings posted an Instagram video speaking directly to their mother’s potential abductor. The post was captioned, “Bring her home.” “We too have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media,” Savannah Guthrie said at the time. “As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated.”

“We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us,” Savannah Guthrie added, noting Nancy Guthrie “is 84 years old. Her health, her heart is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer.”

February 5: The FBI Weighs In and Announces an Arrest

FBI Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke said during a February 5 news conference that the note, which investigators reviewed, did not provide “proof of life” and included “facts associated with a deadline,” an Apple Watch, a floodlight, and “a monetary value.” Authorities also revealed they had arrested a Southern California man on suspicion of allegedly transmitting a false ransom demand to Nancy Guthrie’s family.

The same day, Savannah Guthrie’s brother Camron Guthrie spoke to the person who might be “holding our mother” in an Instagram video posted as the first deadline allegedly mentioned in the initial ransom letter arrived. “We want to hear from you,” Camron Guthrie said. “We haven’t heard anything directly. We need you to reach out and we need a way to communicate with you so we can move forward. But first we have to know you have our mom.”

February 6: The Second Note Arrives

A second ransom note was sent out on February 6, which KOLD confirmed on social media it received. The FBI and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department also confirmed they were investigating a “new message,” according to a post on X at the time. Multiple outlets reported months later, on June 22, that this second note said Nancy Guthrie died after being kidnapped, and CBS reported investigators familiar with the case had reason to believe both notes came from the same person or people.

February 7: Another Plea to the Abductor

Savannah Guthrie and her siblings shared another video on social media addressing the potential abductor and the ransom notes. “We received your message and we understand,” Savannah Guthrie said. “We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”

February 9: A Deadline Expires

As the second deadline in the letter expired on February 9, Savannah Guthrie shared “a few thoughts as we enter into another week of this nightmare” in a video message. She explained that she and her family “believe our mom is still out there” and asked the public for help. “Law enforcement is working tirelessly, around the clock trying to bring her home, trying to find her. She was taken, and we don’t know where, and we need your help,” Savannah Guthrie said, adding, “if you see anything, if you hear anything, if there’s anything at all that seems strange to you. We are at an hour of desperation, and we need your help.”

The next day, the FBI released images on X showing an armed, unidentified individual appearing to tamper with Nancy Guthrie’s front door camera the morning she disappeared. Later that month, the Guthrie family offered a $1 million reward for any information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery.

March 26: Savannah Guthrie Confirms Some Notes Were Authentic

Ahead of Savannah Guthrie’s return to the “Today” show after stepping away from the job in February, she sat down with longtime colleague Hoda Kotb for an emotional interview in March. Explaining that she and her siblings “are in agony” over Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, Savannah Guthrie opened up about the ransom notes. “There are a lot of different notes, I think that came. And I think most of them, it’s my understanding, are not real,” she said. “But I believe the two notes that we received that we responded to, I tend to believe those were real.”

June 22: New Details Emerge

NBC News, ABC News, and CBS News reported on June 22 that the February 6 ransom note stated Nancy Guthrie was dead. NBC and ABC cited unnamed people “familiar with the matter,” and CBS cited “sources who reviewed the notes.” NBC further reported the purported kidnapper allegedly did not apologize for abducting Nancy Guthrie but expressed regret over her death.

The Investigation Remains Active

When reached by USA TODAY, a spokesperson for the Pima County Sheriff’s Department in southern Arizona noted that inquiries regarding ransom notes should be directed to the FBI. The office said in a statement, “The investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie remains active and ongoing. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department continues to work closely with the FBI as investigators follow up on leads, review information, and pursue the facts surrounding this case.”

Savannah Guthrie’s Latest Comments

After a June 23 episode of “Today” featured an NBC News segment about the latest information on the reported ransom note, Savannah Guthrie said she didn’t “have any comment on the story” and is “not involved in our coverage,” going on to “beg people to come forward” with information. “Somebody knows something, and this is a news story today that is on your radar, but this is the life that my sister lives, that I live, that my brother lives, that our extended families live, that our children live every day, and we are in agony. We cannot be at peace,” she said.

With the case continuing to be described as active by both the FBI and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, and with Savannah Guthrie continuing to publicly urge anyone with information to come forward, the timeline of ransom notes outlined above remains the clearest publicly available record of how the investigation has unfolded since Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance nearly five months ago. Law enforcement asks anyone with information to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900, or 88-CRIME.

SAN FRANCISCO — Paraguay and Australia meet in a decisive Group D clash at the 2026 World Cup on Thursday night, with both teams battling for a place in the knockout stages.

The match at Levi’s Stadium offers Paraguay an opportunity to advance as one of the best third-placed teams while Australia aims to secure second place behind the United States. Kickoff is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET.

Paraguay opened with a heavy 4-1 defeat to the United States but recovered with a 1-0 victory over Türkiye, where Matías Galarza scored in the third minute. Australia defeated Türkiye 2-0 before falling 2-0 to the Americans.

Both teams enter with three points, but Australia’s superior goal difference means a draw or win would guarantee progression. Paraguay needs at least a point and favorable results elsewhere to advance.

Team News and Tactics

Paraguay will be without attacking midfielder Miguel Almirón, who received a red card in the Türkiye match. His absence removes a key creative force and goal threat from their lineup.

Australia’s coach will likely maintain a disciplined defensive structure while looking for counterattacking opportunities. Their performance against Türkiye showed effectiveness in absorbing pressure and striking quickly.

The United States has already secured top spot in the group. This match determines the second automatic qualifier and influences best third-placed calculations across the tournament.

Betting Odds and Expert Analysis

FanDuel lists Paraguay as +165 favorites on the 90-minute money line, with Australia at +340 and the draw at +120. The over/under for total goals is set at 1.5.

SportsLine expert Martin Green has analyzed the matchup and leans toward the Under 1.5 total goals. Both teams have shown defensive discipline and limited open play.

Green notes neither side has demonstrated much appetite for an open game. Australia’s setup against Türkiye and Paraguay’s ability to hold a lead while shorthanded suggest a cautious approach.

The absence of Almirón further reduces Paraguay’s attacking threat. Limited corner kicks and wide play indicate difficulty creating dangerous opportunities.

Tactical Outlook

Paraguay’s strategy will likely focus on defensive solidity and opportunistic counterattacks. Without Almirón, they must rely on collective effort and set pieces for goals.

Australia may adopt a similar approach, prioritizing structure and looking to exploit transitions. Their speed on the break could prove decisive if Paraguay commits forward.

Both coaches face pressure to secure positive results while managing player workloads ahead of potential knockout matches. Rotation and tactical adjustments will be closely watched.

Player Spotlight

Key performers for Paraguay include Galarza, whose early goal against Türkiye provided the foundation for victory. Defensive organization will be crucial without Almirón’s creativity.

Australia’s Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe have contributed goals in the tournament. Their ability to create and convert chances will determine offensive output.

Goalkeepers for both sides face important tests. Clean sheets or crucial saves could prove decisive in a low-scoring affair.

Group D Context

The United States has dominated the group with strong performances. Their results have set a high standard for the remaining teams.

Türkiye’s inability to score despite numerous shots has been a notable disappointment. Their campaign ends without advancement.

The battle for second place and best third-placed spots creates drama in the final group matches. Small margins will determine which teams progress.

Historical Perspective

Both nations have experienced varying success in World Cup competitions. Australia has established itself as a regular participant while Paraguay boasts proud South American football tradition.

This matchup represents an opportunity for either team to make history by advancing further than expected. The result could boost national pride and program development.

The 2026 World Cup’s expanded format has provided more opportunities for competitive matches. Group D has delivered competitive balance and intriguing storylines.

Looking Ahead

The winner or best-performing team will face a challenging opponent in the round of 32. Preparation and recovery from this match will be crucial for knockout stage performance.

Both teams have shown character throughout the group stage. Their ability to perform under pressure will be tested in the tournament’s later stages.

The match at Levi’s Stadium continues the World Cup’s showcase of American venues. The atmosphere is expected to be electric with passionate support from both sides.

As Group D concludes, focus shifts to the knockout bracket. The United States and the second-place team from this group will carry momentum into the next round.

Paraguay and Australia’s encounter promises tactical battle and potential drama. The result will significantly impact both teams’ tournament journeys and national football narratives.

NEW YORK — As the NBA offseason intensifies ahead of free agency, trade rumors have dominated headlines with several star players potentially on the move before the June 30 deadline.

The league has already seen significant transactions including a blockbuster deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo and other notable swaps. Teams are aggressively reshaping rosters, creating opportunities for major moves involving high-profile names.

Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics and Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers lead the list of players most likely to be traded. Their situations reflect broader strategic calculations as franchises balance contention windows, salary cap constraints and long-term planning.

Jaylen Brown Situation

Brown’s relationship with the Celtics appears strained after he was included in trade discussions for Antetokounmpo. Boston president of basketball operations Brad Stevens has emphasized Brown’s value but stopped short of guaranteeing his place on the opening night roster.

“I’m never going to predict the future,” Stevens told reporters. This comment has fueled speculation about Brown’s future in Boston.

The Celtics need to upgrade their center rotation and add players who can generate more paint touches. Brown represents their best available asset to address these needs through a potential trade.

Potential destinations include the Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers and Washington Wizards. Each team could offer different combinations of assets and roster fits.

Brown’s two-way abilities and playoff experience make him attractive to contenders seeking immediate impact. His contract provides substantial value in trade negotiations.

Kawhi Leonard’s Status

Leonard’s situation with the Clippers remains fluid as he becomes extension-eligible on July 6. If Los Angeles cannot reach an agreement with the 34-year-old, trade discussions could accelerate.

Multiple teams are monitoring Leonard’s availability. His relatively healthy season and continued production have maintained his value despite injury history concerns.

Potential landing spots include the San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors. Leonard has reportedly indicated openness to extensions with the Spurs or Raptors if traded.

Leonard’s championship pedigree and two-way play could transform a contender’s playoff prospects. His fit with various rosters would require careful evaluation of defensive schemes and offensive spacing.

Other Notable Names

Trey Murphy III of the New Orleans Pelicans has signaled interest in playing elsewhere. The shooting guard’s talent and reasonable contract make him appealing to multiple teams.

Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies appears likely to be moved as the franchise rebuilds. His contract and injury history have depressed his trade value, but point guard-needy teams may still pursue him.

Kyrie Irving of the Dallas Mavericks could be available as the franchise prioritizes younger talent around Cooper Flagg. Irving’s experience and scoring ability would interest several teams.

The Cleveland Cavaliers may consider trading Jarrett Allen or Evan Mobley to address roster imbalances. Either big man could fetch significant returns in the right deal.

De’Aaron Fox of the San Antonio Spurs faces questions about his fit alongside Dylan Harper. His expensive contract extension could become burdensome if the Spurs pivot toward younger talent.

League-Wide Trends

The current offseason has been particularly active with teams seeking competitive advantages through trades rather than waiting for free agency. Salary cap management and luxury tax considerations heavily influence decision-making.

Star player movement continues reshaping the league’s competitive balance. Teams with young talent and cap space are positioned to acquire veterans seeking new opportunities.

The collective bargaining agreement’s rules around extensions and trades create complex strategic calculations. Front offices must balance immediate contention with long-term flexibility.

Player empowerment and contract opt-outs add layers of complexity to roster planning. Stars like Brown and Leonard have significant leverage in determining their futures.

Impact on Contention

Potential trades involving Brown or Leonard could dramatically alter playoff pictures in both conferences. The Eastern Conference appears particularly fluid with several teams pursuing upgrades.

Western Conference dynamics may shift if Leonard finds a new home with a contender. His presence could elevate teams lacking proven playoff performers.

Younger players like Murphy represent cost-effective ways for teams to add talent without sacrificing future flexibility. Their movement could accelerate rebuilds or contention windows.

The Grizzlies’ situation with Morant highlights challenges in managing high-upside but troubled talents. Resolution of his future will influence Memphis’ direction for years.

Strategic Considerations

Teams evaluating these players must assess fit, contract implications and long-term roster construction. Chemistry, coaching schemes and supporting casts significantly influence success after trades.

Front offices increasingly rely on analytics and advanced scouting to project player contributions in new environments. Cultural fit and leadership qualities also factor into decisions.

The compressed offseason timeline creates urgency for teams seeking improvements. Quick decisions can provide competitive edges but also carry risks of miscalculation.

Fan reactions and media coverage add pressure to high-profile moves. Organizations must balance basketball considerations with broader stakeholder interests.

Looking Ahead

As free agency approaches, additional trade activity appears likely. Teams with cap space and assets will pursue opportunities to improve rosters before the new season begins.

The outcomes of these potential deals could reshape playoff hierarchies and championship odds. Strategic moves in the coming days may define multiple franchises’ trajectories.

The NBA’s player movement landscape continues evolving with each offseason. Teams demonstrating agility in roster construction often gain advantages in the highly competitive league.

Brown and Leonard represent significant potential dominoes in the current trade market. Their situations will be watched closely as negotiations intensify.

The league’s offseason activity underscores the dynamic nature of roster building in modern basketball. Strategic vision and execution will separate successful organizations from others.

Thousands of people have complained about the sulphur-like odour in Calne

A persistent “rotting egg” odour in a Wiltshire town is being monitored using “sniff testing”, the Environment Agency has said. Calne has been plagued by a “stink” from gas escaping from the Hills Waste landfill site at Lower Compton for a year, with local residents reporting breathing difficulties and headaches.

Complaints about the smell have soared in the last week, according to the Environment Agency (EA), which said more than 100 reports were made last weekend.

Last year, the EA confirmed the Lower Compton site was likely to be responsible for the smell and served Hills with an enforcement notice ordering a programme of landfill capping to reduce smells escaping from the site.

It is understood Hills is co-operating fully with the EA and is currently working to change how waste at the site is covered up.

“We recognise the ongoing impact that odour is having on residents, and we are continuing to prioritise work to address these concerns as quickly as possible,” a statement from the EA said.

“We have been out on site again to ensure Hills are delivering the actions that we have required of them to bring the site back into compliance with its environmental permit. This includes the accelerated permanent capping works.”

The main way the EA is assessing whether Hills is complying is through “sniff testing”, using officers to detect and assess odours with their nose.

“This is required by permit conditions and remains the most effective method, as the human nose can detect the full range of gases responsible for odour at very low levels,” the EA said.

“It is important to be clear that this type of monitoring is for regulatory compliance purposes and not to directly assess health impacts.”

The EA is also understood to be using a mobile monitoring facility to measure air quality, including to detect methane, hydrogen sulphide – a toxic gas – and particulates.

It is also providing its data to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which is carrying out its own independent analysis.

“We understand that residents have concerns about potential health effects, and we take these concerns seriously,” the EA added.

“We use sniff testing to assess odour impact and compliance with permit conditions, and we use monitoring data to support this and to inform UKHSA’s independent health assessment.

“Our aim is to ensure that odour is reduced to a level where it is no longer causing unacceptable impact beyond the site boundary.”

A spokesperson for Hills said: “Soil-capping works are ahead of schedule and in line with our landfill action plan as agreed with the Environment Agency.”

‘Health risk likely to be low’

UKHSA is the independent public health body responsible for assessing any potential impacts on human health. They review the monitoring data and determine whether there is any risk to the community.

In May, the UKHSA told Business Live that with the levels of hydrogen sulphide currently detected around the site, the health risk was “likely to be low”.

Lucy McCann, consultant in health protection at UKHSA South West, said: “ Everyone reacts to odours differently, and some people are more sensitive to environmental odours than others.

“Landfill gas contains hydrogen sulphide, which even in very small quantities produces a strong smell similar to rotten eggs. This gas can seep into the surrounding air and could be noticeable to nearby residents.

“Whether an odour poses a health risk depends on the concentration of a substance in the air, how frequently a person is exposed to it, and how long that exposure lasts.

“Certain groups may be more sensitive to the effects of environmental odours, including people with respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD, pregnant women, children and older adults.”

Ms McCann said that odour and health impacts were assessed in different ways.

“The human nose is very sensitive to smell and can detect gases such as this even in very small amounts, well below what would be directly harmful to health.

Some people may experience physical symptoms such as nausea, headaches, or dizziness as a reaction to strong odours, and as concentration levels increase, more people are likely to experience symptoms.”