Imran Khan, owner of IK Collections on Leeds Road, says the odour has become increasingly noticeable in recent years and believes it is having an impact on businesses and residents alike.
His comments come as Bradford Council investigates ongoing reports of unpleasant smells in the city centre.
‘People are walking away’
Mr Khan said he has been based in the area since 2012 and believes the issue has worsened over the past six to seven years.
He told the Telegraph & Argus: “When it gets really hot, the smell comes this side and it’s like, ‘What on earth is going on?’
“Everybody around here is asking what’s happening. It’s so bad.”
Mr Khan said some customers have commented on the smell, with one regular customer deciding not to return during warmer weather because of a sinus condition.
“He buys from us every year, but he said he’s not coming again because of the smell,” he said. “Another customer walked in, thought it was coming from the shop and walked straight back out again.”
Mr Khan also claimed a member of staff who suffered from respiratory problems had struggled when the smell was particularly strong.
‘It smells like rotten meat’
Describing the odour, Mr Khan said it resembled rotting meat.
“It’s definitely like rotten meat or something burning,” he said. “You’ll smell it, then it goes away, then it comes back again.”
Mr Khan believes the smell is linked to industrial activity in the wider area, although no official source has yet been confirmed.
He said: “It’s the same smell every time. It’s just disgusting when it comes across.”
Mr Khan added that he is concerned about the long-term impact on nearby businesses.
He said: “I want Bradford to be clean. I want people to come here and do business.
“We’re open for business, but people are not going to come if all they can smell is that.”
Calls for action
Mr Khan said he wants those responsible for the smell to engage more closely with residents and businesses experiencing the issue.
“What I’d like them to do is come and walk around the area and speak to people,” he said.
“I can tell you now, businesses and residents are really fed up with it.
“I just want something doing about it.”
He said concerns have been raised by residents as well as local businesses, with some people reporting the issue for months.
Council launch investigation
Councillor Ian Walker, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhoods and Communities, said the authority is aware of the concerns and is investigating.
He said: “We are well aware of the foul smell in the city centre that a number of our residents have reported to us.
“We know how frustrating this is for both the public and local businesses.
“We take this issue very seriously and we are carrying out an investigation to find out the source of the smells.”
He added: “We will take whatever action we can take to hold those responsible to account.
“We have transformed our city centre and we want businesses to play their part in making sure Bradford is a great place to visit.”