‘It’s time for action’ in Darwen over pigeon hazard

Pigeons roosting under the Exchange Street bridge are causing safety concerns with their droppings.

Cllr Roy Davies, who represents Sudell on Blackburn with Darwen Council, said residents are having to walk in the road and action is urgently needed.

He said the cleansing department should clear up the mess urgently and also wants Network Rail to install a net under the bridge to stop pigeons nesting there.

Cllr Davies spoke out about the problem earlier this year but still awaits action.

Cllr Davies said: “It is absolutely disgusting when you go down there.

“It is a major problem. The path needs a real good wash.

“Perhaps the council can clean it up and then hopefully it can stay clean.”

In 2013 Cllr Eileen Entwistle branded the droppings in both Cotton Hall Street and Exchange Street as a ‘health hazard’ and said it had been going on for ‘years and years’.

Last year the bridge in Cotton Hall Street was replaced by one with spikes to stop birds nesting in it and creating a mess.

Cllr Jane Oates, the council’s assistant executive member for environment, said: “This is very much an ongoing problem.

“Our operatives go out there regularly to clean it up but within a day it’s back to where it was. The team is quite vigilant but I’ll have another word.

“Network Rail has promised to do something with netting but hasn’t got round to it yet.”

In March a Network Rail spokesman confirmed the company was aware of the problem and said contractors had been instructed to go on site and undertake work to deter the pigeons.

A spokesperson said yesterday: “Network Rail is aware of the issue of roosting pigeons under the rail bridge and is continuing to speak with the local council to find a long term solution.

“We take the issue of roosting birds very seriously and understand that it is unsightly and unhygienic. We would urge anyone who knows of issues of this nature to report it to your local environmental health who will in turn contact us.”