A team from Network Rail is expected to undertake urgent repairs to the newly-installed bridge canopy at the Luton Arches in Chatham. The maintenance works will take place from July 17 until July 19 between the hours of 10pm and 6am. A lane closure on Chatham Hill (Rochester-bound) will be enforced, while the footpath will be shut to pedestrians. The bridge canopy structure was installed in early May 2018 due to the worsening issue of pigeon guano on the footpath below. Local community group, Arches Local, have previously raised concerns regarding the public health hazards associated with the pigeon droppings from roosting pigeons in the underbridge of one of the Arches.
A statement on a petition by Arches Local explains: "When these droppings dry, there is a risk it can become powdered and possibly float up into the air as dust, kicked up by passing feet. "We are not doctors or scientists but we are worried If you inhale the pigeon dropping dust, you are possibly at risk of exposure to; Cryptococcal Meningitis, Salmonella and Listeria, Viral Encephalitis, E. Coli, among many others." It is hoped discussions will continue between Arches Local, Network Rail and Medway Council to address the multiple issues at the Luton Arches. A weekly cleansing programme of the guano-infested footpath has currently been suspended due to the canopy repair works. Comments are closed.
|
Archive
August 2023
|