PIGEONS roosting underneath a Salisbury railway bridge are a health hazard, say those living and working nearby who are calling for action on the birds.

The number has become so bad, according to residents and business owners in Fisherton Street that walking under the bridge is now like 'running the gauntlet'.

Paul Dauwalder, who runs three businesses in the street, said: "It's an ongoing problem - I have been in the street for a long time and it's a bit like walking the plank.

"I think they really need to have a cull. Pigeons are defecating on people walking underneath - they say it's supposed to be lucky but it's not if it lands on an awkward part.

"People are always complaining. It affects all the buildings around that area.

"Network Rail seems to be quite oblivious to what's going on. Something like this doesn't really interest them because it doesn't affect them running a railway. They're not worried about droppings on people's heads which is a shame.

"The deterrents in place are totally inadequate. These are feral pigeons, they carry diseases and there is a lot of people out there unfortunately who encourage it by feeding them."

Wiltshire Council's head of public protection John Carter said part of the bridge structure was protected with wire mesh to prevent birds roosting directly above the pavement but that while it had asked Network Rail to ask them to extend the bird proofing to cover the area over the road as well, it was not willing to carry out the work.

He said: "I have been working with Salisbury City Councillor Matthew Dean to investigate ways in which the problem can be resolved, and we are currently considering a number of options to improve the situation."

Network Railway spokesman Chris Denham said to pigeon proof the whole structure across the street would be "a big job and require a road closure".

He said: "The pavement under Fisherton Street's bridge has been bird-proofed to protect pedestrians.

"We normally re-birdproof larger structures when they are refurbished or repainted as it is difficult to justify the cost of such an undertaking on its own. Without such a project, merely culling the birds would have little effect as their friends and relatives would soon re-colonise it.

"There are spikes, guards and netting over the pavement. If there are concerns over the condition etc then people should call us and let us know."