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Residents living near a Marmite factory say they both love and hate the smell of one of the UK’s most divisive foods filling the air of their town.

Burton-upon-Trent, in Staffordshire, has been the home of the yeast-based spread since the company first opened a small factory there in 1902.

The town has become synonymous for its distinctive smell – known as the Burton Snatch – which is a combination of Marmite and hops from its many breweries.

Many locals say they have become accustomed to the earthy, eggy smell which greets visitors when they arrive in the area – and quite like it.

But some say they still hate the lingering stench of Marmite which can waft across from the nearby 121-year-old factory.

The savory spread is famous for splitting the nation in half with people who actually enjoy and those that detest it.

It was invented during the late 19th century when German scientist Justus von Liebig discovered that brewer’s yeast could be concentrated, bottled and eaten.

Anne Shipton, 82, said outsiders often complain about Burton’s infamous smell, but to many locals it makes them feel at home.

Anne, who has lived in the area since 1986 with her husband who worked in a local brewery, said: ‘It’s home isn’t it. It doesn’t bother me.

‘To be honest we can barely smell it anymore.

‘When we used to go on holiday and come back we used to get a strong Marmite smell.

‘That was lovely. I don’t like Marmite but I think is smells nice.’

Another resident, who would only give her name as Tracey, aged 56, said: ‘It’s worst when they stir the tanks but we’re just used to it now.

‘I hate Marmite, it’s awful. But the smell isn’t so bad really.

‘When you go on holiday and come back you can smell it for the next couple of days.

‘We’ve been here six years. Every now and again if the wind is blowing you can get a strong smell.

‘It’s not a disgusting smell by any means. We quite enjoy living here.’

Hazel Dolman, 72, said she got used to the smell of Marmite shortly after she first moved in.

She said: ‘There was an overpowering smell of Marmite when I first moved here, you get used to it but I don’t really like Marmite.

‘It was a bit of a whiff but nothing that bothers me.

‘There’s a smell in the town, mainly because of the brewery, but there’s no problem.

‘Marmite is a very unusual smell really. There’s no problem with the factory either. You become accustomed to it. It’s bearable.’

Mum Sian Seymen, 29, who lives on Bass’s Cottage nearby, said there’s often a hoppy smell that can often be ‘sickly’.

She said: ‘If it’s first thing in the morning it can be quite sickly, but it’s the hops, I think.

‘We’re pretty much nose blind to it though now, we’ve lived her for four years.’

Peter Gdovin, 40, added: ‘On Tuesday and Thursday it can be stronger. It’s not awful really, it’s just a sign of the area.

‘I’ve been here eight years. I could smell something sweet here at first but it has become a natural smell.’

Marie Mortlock, 48, has lived in Burton all of her life, said her friends can smell an overpowering smell of Marmite when they visit her, but she doesn’t notice it.

She said: ‘When you’ve lived here that long you don’t notice it.

‘I know people who visit here on the train and as they’ve got off they can smell something straight away..

‘My friend lives in Lichfield and when she drives over here the Marmite smell hits her, it’s like a yeast smell.’

Dad-of-two Karl Burgess, 45, added: ‘I’ve always been in the hate it camp and on a windy day when I can smell Marmite it makes me feel a bit queasy.

‘I still enjoy living here but when that smell hits, it just reminds me of trying it as a kid and hating the thing.

‘My wife finds it funny that we live here when I hate Marmite.’

Adam Stretton, 33, said: ‘You get used to it but I’ve never been a fan of Marmite and the smell from the factory can be overpowering on certain days.

‘We must have the oddest smelling town in the country to be honest – a mix of Marmite and beer. I love living here but I’ve got to say I hate Marmite.’

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