Ban Pigeon Poo from our Pavements say Leech and Isherwood

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 8th Feb 2006

Withington MP John Leech has joined forces with residents and local Councillors to try to banish piles of pigeon poo from pavements in Burnage and Didsbury.

The pigeons roost under railway bridges over School Lane, Brayside Road and Southlea Road, and their droppings pile up all over the pavements below. This can be very slippery, especially after rain, and is disgusting for any pedestrians passing below.

Network Rail, who own the bridges, have put nets under other bridges at Mauldeth Road, Briarfield Road, Westcroft Road, Fog Lane and Old Hall Lane following years of pressure from residents and the local Liberal Democrats. These nets stop pigeons roosting and have solved the poo problem on those streets. However, Network Rail are stalling over netting the other bridges.

Councillor Rod Isherwood and John Leech MP have handed in a petition of over 100 signatures from directly affected residents to Network Rail's offices in Manchester demanding that they put nets up.

John Leech MP said:

"It is totally unacceptable that Network Rail continue to allow pigeons to roost under these bridges and cover the pavements with muck. It is disgusting and is also a hazard to pedestrians who could easily slip on it and break a leg. I am also worried that the droppings could be a disease risk."

Burnage Councillor Rod Isherwood added:

" We have asked the City Council's Environmental Health Department to take enforcement action against Network Rail to try to force them to put a stop to this nuisance. We have also asked the Council to clean under these bridges more regularly in the meantime."

Ends