“It is deeply saddening to see animals suffering” – Large number of pigeons found dead at Walkden train station

Walkden residents have been left in shock after an alarming number of dead pigeons were found underneath the train station.

The discovery had caught the attention of many commuters who were walking past the train station.

The bridge that surrounds the train station has a net underneath to prevent pigeons from nesting in and around the train station.

However, the nets which were meant to be a short-term solution have turned into a long-term problem.

Rips have been found leading to many pigeons getting caught in the netting and struggling to get out.

Walkden resident, Jill Lynch, who walks past the train station most days, said: “The underside of the bridge either needs sealing up properly with something long-standing or just remove all the netting and let birds nest safely.”

She was distressed last week to see a pigeon which had hung itself trying to get out.

Samantha Thomas also shared on Facebook: “I went to Walkden chippy last night and saw a pigeon hanging by his neck dead. It’s absolutely awful seeing that.

“They don’t deserve to die like that.”

Walkden South Councillor Irfan Syed said: “I share the community’s concerns about the distressing situation with the pigeons getting trapped and dying under the Network Rail bridge in Walkden.

“It is deeply saddening to see animals suffering due to broken infrastructure.”

He said: “I strongly urge Network Rail to take immediate action to repair the netting and prevent further harm to the birds.

“Animal welfare is important to our city, and we must ensure that any measures in place are both effective and humane… I will be in contact with Network Rail to ensure this matter is addressed as soon as possible.”

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “Any incidents and reports of trapped pigeons are typically removed within a two-hour period to minimise distress to the birds and the public.

“There have also been 10 reports within the past 18 months of the bridge at Walkden Station being struck by vehicles, which damages the netting, allowing birds to enter.”

The spokesperson continued: “We kindly ask drivers to be mindful of this.

“Whilst there is no imminent plan to remove or fully replace the netting as it is needed to protect the footways from bird droppings, when the netting life expires we will explore other more durable methods to manage pigeons.”