NETWORK Rail have responded to the Darwen Mayor’s request to put netting up under railway bridge in Darwen.

It was hoped the netting would stop pigeons roosting under the bridge, as their droppings are causing safety concerns.

However, Network Rail are refusing to act without first meeting with Blackburn with Darwen Council.

A spokesman from Network Rail said: "The procedure requires that the Network Rail Territory Liability and Clearance Advisor liaise with the Council to investigate the compliant and to ascertain responsibilities and future actions to rectify the hazards.

“For this particular bridge, we have tried on several occasions to contact the council to resolve the issue in accordance with the agreed process.

“The last contact was sent on May 9 where Network Rail offered to meet on site and discuss the options available to the council and Network Rail.

“We are still awaiting a response to this invite as the issues cannot be resolved without the required input from the Council.’’

Mayor of Darwen, Cllr Roy Davies said: “Network Rail has been very professional. The council need to sort it out and make contact with them, it’s absolutely ridiculous, it’s been going on for two years.”