A pigeon was freed from a railway bridge in Letchworth this morning – the second time in less than a month – after getting caught in mesh designed to stop them nesting.

The Comet: Norton Way North was closed for a time at the weekend as Network Rail attended to the trapped pigeons. Picture: Paul RossNorton Way North was closed for a time at the weekend as Network Rail attended to the trapped pigeons. Picture: Paul Ross (Image: Archant)

The RSPCA and Herts Fire and Rescue Service both responded to reports of a bird getting caught in the netting under the bridge in Norton Way North, successfully freeing the trapped pigeon.

A spokesman for Hertfordshire County Council told the Comet: “We were called at 10.38am by the RSPCA to assist them with releasing a pigeon which had got stuck in netting under a railway bridge in Norton Way North.

“A crew from the Baldock & Letchworth fire station attended and released the bird. The incident closed at 11.05am.

“We are happy to assist in animal rescues when we are available and able to do so.

The Comet: Pigeons often nest underneath the railway bridge in Norton Way North in Letchworth. Picture: Paul RossPigeons often nest underneath the railway bridge in Norton Way North in Letchworth. Picture: Paul Ross (Image: Archant)

“Our firefighters have the training and the specialist equipment and sometimes we are the only organisation who can safely rescue animals.

“These calls can also provide real-life training opportunities, giving firefighters a chance to use specialist equipment to carry out rescues.

“However, our crews will always priorities incidents which involve any risk to humans.”

This isn’t the first time pigeons have had to be freed from the mesh under the bridge.

Norton Road North was closed for a time on March 9 and 10, to allow Network Rail workers to remove birds and make repairs to the netting.

READ MORE: Trapped pigeons at Letchworth railway bridge cause road closure

At the time, Letchworth resident Paul Ross told the Comet: “Pigeons have nested there for some time.

“My concern is that many attempts have been made over the years to rid the bridge of the pigeon problem and the mess they create on the paths beneath.

“However, nothing seems to work and given the costs and inconvenience caused while work is being done, it seems ludicrous that the birds are still gaining access and apparently becoming trapped, which is distressing to passersby.

“One would assume they were going to starve to death if they had been stuck there.”

The Comet has contacted the RSPCA and is awaiting a response.