Work to tackle the problem of pigeons nesting and fouling under Shrewsbury’s railway bridge is now set to be completed next year, after Network Rail identified the need for strengthening work on the bridge.
During the recent work at the railway station gyratory, Network Rail carried out work under the bridge on behalf of Shropshire Council to remove pigeon mess and install mesh to prevent pigeons from roosting.
Further work to install more mesh has now been delayed after a recent inspection of the bridge by Network Rail uncovered the need for remedial strengthening works to take place from March 2026 – which has delayed the final stage of the mesh work.
Neither Network Rail nor the council wants to undertake costly mesh work now that would then need to be taken down in 2026. Therefore, the mesh work will be completed at the same time as the bridge strengthening work – which should finally removal all the pigeons and their associated mess from the area.
Some pipe replacement work will be carried out at the same time, which should address the problem of water running down the walls.
Alex Wagner, deputy Leader of Shropshire Council and councillor for Quarry and Coton Hill (pictured), said:
“We’ve had a huge number of complaints about the pigeon mess on the bridge walls, both on the new paving and the newly resurfaced road, both before and since the first stage of Network Rail’s work was carried out in the summer. I completely share people’s frustrations and we are pushing for action as soon as possible.
“We had hoped the mesh installation work would be completed by now so it’s disappointing that work can’t now be completed until next year. But, I completely accept that it’s important that the strengthening work is carried out, and it makes sense to complete the mesh work at the same time, rather than doing it twice.
“Once complete, this work should finally solve the pigeon problem and remove their mess from the area, tackling an issue which has been present for a number of years – or possibly longer.”
