A group of Maitland residents has invited Environment Minister Frank Sartor to spend a few days with them in windy Rutherford to experience first hand stink and dust from mines and a nearby industrial estate.

Members of Maitland Anti Stink Campaign extended the invitation this week after Mr Sartor’s department ‘‘again fobbed off’’ a request for the installation of particulate monitors.

The push for the new monitors came from Maitland councillor Henry Meskauskas, who called on the council to write to Mr Sartor and Premier Kristina Keneally.

A letter from Mr Sartor’s office was tabled at a council meeting this week and said that particulate monitors would not be suitable for the Rutherford area.

Cr Meskauskas said the minister’s response was ‘‘unacceptable and a cop out’’.

‘‘There’s dust, pollution and noise, it’s all there and the residents are suffering,’’ Cr Meskauskas said.

‘‘Speak to any of [the region’s] doctors and they will tell you that the incidence of respiratory problems in Maitland’s western suburbs is particularly high,’’ he said.

‘‘This is another kick in the teeth and the residents are being ignored again.’’

Cr Meskauskas said the council was powerless with the state government having the final say on the installation of monitors.

Anti Stink Campaign chairman Steve Jordan said the group was pushing to have the same monitors as the Upper Hunter installed in Maitland.

‘‘We want real time monitoring to find out what’s in the air,’’ he said.

‘‘The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water has received the highest rate of complaints in the state from residents in Rutherford and Telarah. We think we deserve the courtesy of them telling us what is actually in the air,’’ Mr Jordan said.

Another member of the group Wendy White, said residents feel like they are banging their heads against a brick wall but will continue to fight the issue.

‘‘This is very disappointing. It would seem that they don’t place too much emphasis on people’s health.’’