Another Corporation Road Bridge headache for the council - this time it's those pesky pigeons!

 

Not a friend in the world - one of Grimsby's apparently unloved street pigeons 

ANOTHER worry is causing a flap at the Corporation Road Bridge repair project in Grimsby.

This time it's the feral pigeons.

Contractors and North East Lincolnshire Council fear that all the work achieved in recent months might prove to be of no avail if birds spoil the party.

Says a report  seen by the Grimsby News: "In a structure with moving mechanical parts, birds can cause an additional problem due to their carcasses and nesting detritus - not to mention fouling -  affecting mechanical gearing.

"While netting has previously been employed on the bridge, it is not of the necessary coverage and  requires upgrading and supplementing with additional avian control measures."

To address the issue, engineers have come up with a scheme that involves the installation of:

* Anti-entry netting supported off stainless steel wire and/or beam clamp fixings

* Anti-entry mesh panels 

* The installation of brush strips to prevent entry to moving parts of the bridge.  

Will this not all this clutter look unsightly on a Grade II Listed structure of visual as well as historic significance?

The report continues: "The wires and netting would be relatively low in visibility and therefore  suitable for protecting historic buildings or structures given their ability to follow the contours of a structure.

"They are also very discreet."

Before any works can go ahead, consent will be required from planners who will heed any representations from any interested parties, such as Historic England, before making a decision in the New Year.

It is not known if a local company might be in a position to fulfil any forthcoming contract.

If not, a specialist Sussex-based company is understood to be waiting in  the 'wings'.

                                    

It is thought  that bird activity could clog up the gearing