One of the jewels in the crown of Cornish tourism will be ruined by the construction of a sewage treatment works, say residents of Polperro.

They fear there will be a smell from the works which will make their lives a misery and hit the holiday industry.

But South West Water and the parish council argue that the works will bring an end to the infamous "Polperro pong" caused by sewage in the harbour.

The water company's preferred site for the £5m works is in a field at the top of the hill above the village.

A spokesman said: "The plant will incorporate the most modern equipment to reduce to an absolute minimum the risk of odour."

But the plant is near the Carey Park housing estate, where residents have grave concerns.

'Desperately needed'

It is also near Killigarth Manor Holiday Park, which has 2,000 guests at the height of the season.

Director Peter Stephen said: "The business will be killed off if there is even the hint of an odour."

The parish council says the works will be beneficial to the village.

Chairman Paul Toms said the works are "desperately needed" to eliminate the "Polperro Pong".

However, objectors say they want another public meeting to put their concerns to staff from South West Water.