SPIKES and metal netting could be used to tackle a pigeon problem in Dunbar.

Cases of the birds swooping out from under the rail bridge on Spott Road and frightening drivers have been reported, while the animals’ droppings are making the footpath below slippery as well.

Now, East Lothian Council is looking at potentially temporarily closing the road under the bridge to allow works to be carried out to move the birds on, with one resident suggesting there were between 300 and 400 birds roosting there each night.

Ward councillor Norman Hampshire, who lives in the town, highlighted the issue at Dunbar Community Council’s meeting.

He told the Courier: “The pigeons are now roosting under that bridge. It is quite a low-lying bridge and you come down the hill to it.

“As people drive down, the pigeons dive down and drivers get a real fright as they appear from nowhere.

“Cars have been swerving to try not to hit the pigeons but you have got oncoming traffic coming in the other direction and the potential for an accident is really high.”

Netting was previously on the underside of the bridge in a bid to stop the animals from roosting.

However, it is thought high-sided vehicles and aerials have ripped it off.

Mr Hampshire said a stronger replacement net could be used and added: “We are going to replace the plastic-type net, which was able to be ripped.

“There is a thought now that a metal cage type netting could be used so it is less likely to get pulled down. We are also looking to put spikes on the beams to make it difficult for the birds to get under.”

However, it is not just motorists who are suffering.

Mr Hampshire added: “Where the pigeons are, there is only a narrow pavement. There are a lot of pigeon droppings on the pavement and when it is wet it becomes really slippy. It is not a pleasant path to walk on.”

The Dunbar and East Linton ward member highlighted work to address the problem could be carried out at night to minimise disruption, although a date has yet to be confirmed for when it might take place.

Kenneth McLeman lives near the railway bridge and said that the issue had been going on for more than a year.

He said: “Anybody going under the bridge, it is absolutely stinking and they get covered in the spray of the cars with dirty water which is full of pigeon muck.

“The pigeons are flying out, which is going to cause an accident. There are dead ones on the road too.

“Some days, there are 30 to 40 pigeons sitting on nearby roofs, mucking up the guttering, and you cannot sit outside for the poop.”

A spokeswoman for East Lothian Council confirmed that plans were being drawn up to tackle the problem.

She said: “The council is aware that current bird-proofing measures have become damaged, allowing a number of feral pigeons to roost under the bridge.

“The bridge is owned and maintained by Network Rail but, in the interests of public health and safety, the council has permission from Network Rail to reinstate the bird-proofing measures.

“A contractor is now being arranged to carry out the work on the council’s behalf but I can’t confirm timescales at this stage.”