Agreement Made to Clean Up Mantle Lane Bridge

Date of Release: Thu 26th January, 2012

North West Leicestershire District Council is pleased that, following ongoing discussions with Network Rail, Network Rail wish to progress a new scheme to help reduce problems caused by pigeons roosting on and around the Network Rail bridge in Mantle Lane, Coalville.

At a meeting of North West Leicestershire District Council on 24th January 2012 Councillor Alison Smith, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Community Services, announced the news that, subject to a successful trial of the scheme, Network Rail wish to progress a new scheme of mitigation. 

Councillor Smith said: “We are delighted that Network Rail have agreed to take positive action to clean up Mantle Lane Bridge. This has been a long-standing cause of concern and the work Network Rail are now hoping to progress is largely due to the persistence of the District Council.

“In addition to this commitment from Network Rail, council officers will also be undertaking a litter pick and tidy up at the bridge on 2nd February to keep this area as clean as possible.”  

The new scheme of mitigation proposed by Network Rail includes fixing pods to the underside of the bridge, which contain an oil based substance that deters the pigeons from roosting.

The new pods are currently being trialed on a rail bridge in Market Rasen. If the trial is successful, Network Rail will then apply the pods in Mantle Lane, Coalville. The Council will continue to negotiate with Network Rail to progress this work and set a suitable date for installation.