Call for action over '˜rusting, and pigeon-infested' bridge

Tony Power, 72, a retired civil engineer, of The Bower, has built bridges in Gatwick and Heathrow aiports.

He said: “Sadly the jewel in the crown of the town centre’s ugliness remains with us namely the elephant in the room, the rusting railway bridge and the dank, dark, pigeon-infested underpass.

“If this was in an airport it would be a capital offence – someone has got to say something to get it sorted.”

The bridge takes the main London to Brighton railway line and is used daily by thousands of commuters.

The 72-year-old, who has lived in Haywards Heath for 43 years, said the railway bridge is at its worst when the town suffers heavy rain.

“Water streams down off the railway, through rusting steelwork, over bird droppings and then on to you,” he said.

Mid Sussex MP Sir Nicholas Soames echoed Mr Power and said he was ‘on the case’.

He said: “We have finally made progress with Network Rail and I can confirm something will be done soon.”

A spokesman from Network Rail said work to fix the guttering and pigeon proofing had ‘taken place’.

He added: “Our site manager is passing the bridge today to double check everything.

“Maintaining our bridges is one of our most important jobs and if members of the public have any complaints or requests these can be brought to our attention through the helpline on 03457 11 41 41.”

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