In a change from saving cats up trees, firefighters in the north west attended a motorway bridge to save pigeons trapped there following work by National Highways.

National Highways said it carried out structural work to block pigeons getting into the under space on the bridge at Junction 9 of the M53 after local residents complained about the amount of bird excrement.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said firefighters from Ellesmere Port Station had attended the junction three times over the Bank Holiday weekend following calls about pigeons trapped behind metalwork under the bridge.

A spokesperson said that on Friday evening (August 26th) personnel removed a single section of metal to enable the birds to fly out. Further calls were received on Saturday, but they were unable to hear or see any trapped birds.

The spokesperson added that on Sunday firefighters returned following reports of members of the public planning to purchase tools and remove metalwork themselves. Working in conjunction with the RSPCA and National Highways, crews removed a total of seven panels by unfastening nuts and bolts.

‘It is not possible for the service to safely remove any further panels and the matter is now with National Highways,' the spokesperson added.

Justin Madders, MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston, said he had received regular complaints about bird droppings and that following contact with National Highways, it had agreed to look into what measures could be adopted to stop them.

He added: ‘Needless to say I am absolutely appalled that what transpired appeared to have scant regard for animal welfare.

‘I am pleased to say that some birds were eventually rescued, and I am now working with the RSPCA to see what more can be done to ensure there is no repeat of the appalling attitude to animal welfare that was on display here. Sections of the sheeting have been removed to allow birds to escape but we think there is still a section in the middle where they can't get out which the fire brigade can't remove, so we are waiting for [National Highways] to look at that.'

National Highways said it plans to send a team to the area this week to re-seal the under space.

Road team manager Susan Walsh said: ‘We are aware of the ongoing situation with the issue of excessive pigeon excrement and we are also keen to see an end to this problem. We've tried a number of things to solve the problem, such as removing existing birds by hand and fitting metal mesh to prevent further roosting under the bridge.

‘The safety of the bridge structure and the drivers that use it every day is our top priority, while also protecting wildlife. We are happy to work with local authorities in the area to rectify the situation.'