PIGEONS will be the topic of a discussion between Darlington Borough Council and Network Rail following complaints from pedestrians.

Concerns over the cleanliness of footpaths under the Parkgate railway bridge in Darlington have prompted talks between the two parties over how to resolve the issue.

The bridge had been fitted with an anti-pigeon net in 2006, but it has failed to deter the birds, which roost in the rafters.

Pedestrians claim walking underneath the bridge has become a risky route into town.

The footpaths on either side of the road are already littered with a thick smattering of faeces.

Concerns have also been raised about the impact it has on Darlington's image to visitors, with the bridge being so close to Bank Top railway station. One commuter, a 26-year-old male who wished not to be named, said: "Every day I walk underneath that bridge and every day the sights and smells turn my stomach.

"The waste is an inch deep in places, and dead birds can regularly be seen caught in the netting.

"If I was visiting Darlington by train and that was the first thing I saw of the town, I'd be tempted to about face and go home."

Some confusion exists over who is responsible for fixing the netting and clearing the mess.

The Darlington Borough Council spokeswoman said: "The netting was put up by Network Rail who own the bridge.

"Our Street Scene teams are aware of the problem and will aim to regularly clean the area under the bridge."

However, the Network Rail spokeswoman said that although her organisation had part-paid for the netting, she said the work was carried out by the council.

She added: "Network Rail will be discussing the responsibility for these repairs with the council and seeking an early resolution of this issue."