Pigeon peril at station riles council leader (From Brentwood Weekly News)

Pigeon peril at station riles council leader

7:30am Saturday 20th October 2012 in News

THE leader of Brentwood Council has reacted angrily to a railway authority’s response over problems involving pigeon droppings.

Louise McKinlay wrote to Network Rail last month asking it to look into solving an issue at a railway bridge, at Shenfield station, where the birds are perching and causing a mess below.

A number of commuters have contacted the council leader and other councillors to complain about the issue, with many fearing it is a health hazard.

However, despite requesting a net be put up to stop pigeons roosting there, bosses at Network Rail said the bridge is not their problem and it is up to the council to find a resolution.

This annoyed Mrs McKinlay who felt the authority which deals with railway maintenance is trying to avoid the matter.

Mrs McKinlay said: “I’m angry and frustrated at Network Rail’s response.

“It is passing the buck by suggesting council taxpayers should fund the works. That is unacceptable.

“It is its bridge and its responsibility to deal with the matter.”

Network Rail has stood by its response but said it will put up some form of defence from the pigeons the next time it works on the bridge.

However, it added immediate work needs to be done by the council.

A spokesman for Network Rail said: “We understand pigeons can pose a problem for pedestrians and, with this in mind, we have agreed to put up pigeon proofing the next time work takes place on the bridge.

“In the meantime, if the council wishes to put its own pigeon proofing on the structure, we would be willing to facilitate that.”