Scores of pigeon chicks are feared dead after the blunder on the bridge over the North Circular Road, reports James Cracknell

One of the pigeons trapped inside newly-installed meshing under the bridge (credit James Cracknell)

Network Rail has apologised after its contractor trapped dozens of nesting pigeons inside meshing installed under a New Southgate railway bridge.

Scores of pigeon chicks are feared dead after the blunder on the bridge over the North Circular Road, with British Transport Police also made aware of the incident after being alerted to it by local residents.

While efforts to free some of the trapped pigeons began yesterday (Thursday 5^th), when the Dispatch visited the bridge this morning (Friday 6^th) there were still at least five adult pigeons visibly trapped.

The bridge carries the East Coast Main Line and straddles Enfield, Barnet and Haringey boroughs.

Network Rail had been persuaded to install meshing following local concerns over the bridge becoming a “health hazard” thanks both to a build up of pigeon poo on the pavement and a series of leaking pipes.

However, wildlife law protects nesting birds and as the nesting season is still in progress Network Rail should have carried out basic checks for nests, as well as ensuring no adult birds were trapped, before installing the wire mesh.

Wildlife rescue volunteer Michael Britton, who works with groups including Pigeon Recovery and London Wildlife Protection, has been working with local residents to alert Network Rail and its contractor to the issue over the last week. He told the Dispatch: “People might not like pigeons, but they are still protected under law, and this [harming pigeons] is a widespread issue with pest control contractors.

“The meshing work has continued even though pigeons were visibly trapped by the meshing that had already been installed.”

Two more pigeons seen trapped inside the meshing

On Wednesday (4^th) a mini protest took place to stop contractors Eco Environmental Services Ltd continuing its work, which successfully prevented any further meshing being installed on the opposite side of the bridge.

Michael continued: “That night the workers went home because of the protest. But they still left the birds trapped.”

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We have been carrying out work to replace the netting beneath the bridge to prevent pigeons from becoming trapped and to address the issue of pigeon mess on the pavement.

“We’re aware of concerns around potential trapped birds, and our teams are investigating these reports. We will be sending a specialist to inspect the site and will take action as required. We’re sorry for any distress this might’ve caused to the local community.”

The contractor being used for the ongoing mesh work is Eco Environmental Services Ltd. A spokesperson said: “We are looking into the situation, and we have currently diverted the team back to site to further inspect and await their report.

“We have been informed by our team on site that they freed the birds including chicks last night [Thursday] and these were then taken to the rescue centres.

“We have also been reliably informed […] that no birds were trapped at this time – escape hatches have been installed to allow the birds safe passage.

“The amount of bird fouling on the pavement directly under the structure is the worst our team have ever seen, the installation of a bird deterrent system will hopefully protect the public from the pathogens contained within it.”

However, the claim that no birds were left trapped inside the meshing is clearly false, as birds remained visibly trapped when the Dispatch visited the bridge on Friday morning.

The Eco Environmental Services spokesperson added: “As a business, please be assured that we are fully committed to resolving this matter urgently.”

Michael hopes criminal action will be taken against Network Rail, which is ultimately responsible for the work taking place. He continued: “There is no doubt that bridge works are necessary for the safety of pedestrians and motorists, however the law demands that works must be carried out without causing the avoidable suffering and deaths of innocent animals.

“If Network Rail fail to comply with the law, there will be court action. Legal proceedings have already begun as we have been left with no other choice.”

A spokesperson for British Transport Police said: “I can confirm our wildlife and environment crime team are aware [of the incident] and are liaising with Network Rail.”

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.