URGENT action is being called for to tackle a huge plague of flies which is making life a misery in parts of Dursley and Cam. 

Many householders say they are forced to close windows and doors in hot weather and some even avoid cooking certain meals to try and keep the insects at bay.

It is unclear where they are coming from but residents are calling for urgent action from authorities. 

Many residents took to social media to express their concerns this week with several posting images of sticky fly traps covered in the insects. 

Nigel Longney, 65, from Poet's Estate, said this year has been the worst yet and that the problem is making his life a 'nightmare'. 

"I'm totally fed up," said Mr Longney, who has lived on the estate for five years.

"It's getting worse every year.

"If you walked into my house right now you would walk straight back out again.

Gazette Series: One photo of the flies at Mr Longney's house One photo of the flies at Mr Longney's house

"I made a salad the other day and went outside and within seconds at least 30 flies covered the entire meal.

"A neighbour was in tears when we spoke about the problem. 

"I'm seriously thinking about moving into a hotel and handing Stroud District Council the bill."

Stroud District Council's Environmental Health Service says it had received reports from people in the Highfields and Woodmancote areas of Dursley. 

An SDC spokesperson said: "While the area has on occasions suffered significant fly populations over previous years this year it is clear that the fly numbers are significantly higher than usual.

"Environmental health officers have inspected several sites in an attempt to locate the source of the flies. 

"Our formal enforcement powers relate purely to acting against the source of flies ie where they are breeding. 

"However to date no direct evidence has been found to pinpoint a source.

"As a result of the concerns, we have contracted the services of a nationally regarded entomological expert to assist us in locating and assessing any potential sources. 

"Once the entomologist has made an inspection of the area including potential breeding sites and some affected residences we will consider the results and assess the most appropriate course of action.

"The residents in the area have our full sympathies and we have assured them that we are taking this matter seriously."

But, Mr Longney says the problem poses a health risk. 

"I haven't bothered asking the council to do anything in previous years but this year I had to do something, it's been absolutely terrible" he said. 

"My elderly neighbour can't even sit in her back garden. 

"I can't put loads of fly spray over the house because I don't know how the dog will react to it." 

Normally the flies are present from mid-June until October when they disperse due to colder weather.

It is believed that the numbers of the insects has increased due to the warm weather and constant breeding.