Banished from the bridge! There will be no home for pigeons once Grade II structure has been repaired

Shrouded in plastic - pigeon's eye view of Corporation Road Bridge

THERE will be no place for pigeons to rest their weary heads once Grimsby's Corporation Road Bridge has been repaired and reopened (assuming that day ever comes).

Extensive measures are being employed to prevent the birds from roosting or nesting  on the 100-year-old Grade II listed structure.

This is because a century's worth  droppings are thought to have contributed to the corrosion.

Planning consent has been granted for installation of netting, steel mesh and other pigeon-deterrent measures despite a protest from a member of the public that no mitigation to provide alternative habitat had been proposed for  the threatened birds.  

Not a friend in the world - this bridge pigeon will have to find a new home 

A North East Lincolnshire Council planning officer states: "The comments from the member of the public are noted. 

"An advice note is therefore recommended re responsible actions with respect to nesting birds on the bridge, and this will be placed on the decision notice to remind operatives of their responsibilities. 

"It should be noted, however, that the bridge is currently cocooned in a plastic shroud which seeks to prevent escape of dust and particles but which also limits access by birds so that nests are less likely to be built here. 

"No alternative roosts are proposed as it is considered that the urban environment provides sufficient alternate locations for any pigeons and/or gulls which would be prevented from using the limited areas of the bridge to be covered by the netting."

Meanwhile, there is still no target date for the bridge repairs to be completed. 

NELC's latest update, issued earlier today, reads as follows: "The steel work repairs are ongoing to both sides of the bridge deck.

"Primer and coatings of paint are also being applied to sections of the bridge along with the required preparation works and inspections.

"Control room works are in progress and all rotten timbers are now being replaced and corroded steels are being removed.

"Taking advantage of anticipated low tide levels in May, workers will continue the mechanical preparation works to the underdeck of the bridge. 

"This will involve weekend working.

"Footpath closures are also required while works are undertaken adjacent to public areas to ensure the safety of both the public and the contractor.

"Footpath closures will take place between 9am and 4pm each weekday. The footway will remain open during the weekend working dates. Temporary signs will be in place for the footway closures.2

The key footpath dates for May are:

* Wednesday 1 May – footpath closure

* Saturday 4 May – weekend working

* Wednesday 8 May – footpath closure

* Wednesday 15 May – footpath closure

* Saturday 18 May – weekend working

* Sunday 19 May – weekend working

* Wednesday 22 May – footpath closure

* Wednesday 29 May – footpath closure

North East Lincolnshire Council, its delivery partner, Equans and contractor, Spencer Group, have expressed gratitude to the public for their patience while the work is being undertaken.