Pigeons have been left trapped in a motorway bridge after complaints of "excessive excrement".
National Highways had carried out "structural work to block pigeons in the under space" under a motorway bridge in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.
Following complaints of "excessive pigeon excrement" metal sheets were erected on the bridge to stop any more pigeons from nesting under there.
However, over the weekend it emerged that some pigeons were trapped in the bridge, CheshireLive reported.
Campaigners arrived at the scene and shared pictures on social media urging immediate action to be taken.
The fire service has also been at the scene.
Justin Madders, Ellesmere Port and Neston MP, said in a statement: “I have received regular complaints about bird droppings (from the motorway bridge).
"And following contact with the Highways Agency, they agreed to look into what measures could be adopted to stop them.
"Needless to say I am absolutely appalled that what transpired appeared to have scant regard for animal welfare.
"Which was compounded by what I consider to be deliberate misinformation from the Highways Agency about what had actually happened.
“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 the highways agency to look at that."
Local campaigner Tanuee Holway has been providing regular updates on Facebook.
She said: "Locals went out last night, Sunday, August 28, posting food through the gaps. Birds are still trapped."
Jenny Mason, of Safe Haven Wild Birds Animal Sanctuary, added: “We have had people down there every day and night hearing the birds that are trapped behind there getting photographs."
She says they are looking after a number of baby pigeons which she claims were found at the scene in a plastic bag.
Jenny added: “Obviously it was a weekend we've really struggled and being passed from pillar to post by the Highways.
"Several other people - the RSPCA, the police and fire service - have been involved and all are aware and can see that there are birds trapped behind these metal sheets."
An RSPCA spokesperson said: “We are aware of this situation involving trapped pigeons, and we would like to thank those that have raised their concerns with us.”
Susan Walsh, a National Highways Road Team Manager (North West), 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.”
Additionally, National Highways said: “National Highways has carried out structural work to block pigeons in the under space on a bridge over the M53 at Junction 9, after local residents complained about bird excrement.
“Further complaints have been made that some birds have been trapped in the space by our netting.
"They called the fire service to check the under space but they couldn’t find any further birds.
"We are aware of the situation and plan to send a team to the area next week to re-seal the under space.”
