Requirement:

Having successfully solved the bird issues at Penzance Station back in the Summer of 2021 it was a delight to be contacted once again by our Client and asked to provide a similar solution for the bird issues at the above stations. 

The undersides to the roofing and platform canopies at both Newton Abbot and Taunton train stations were exposed, the beams were attracting perching and nesting birds which can be problematic for anyone using the concourse and surrounding platform areas. 

Exposed guano (bird fouling) presents as a serious slip hazard to the station employees and the general public hence it was important to protect all access areas with an effect Bird Control system and put the safety of all first.

Solution:

We liaised closely with our client on both sites and conducted lengthy survey of each station to ensure that all parties were happy with the proposed installation and that our solution would meet the clients’ final expectations. 

The existing netting on site was in disarray and cut in several places due to the recent light fitting installations on the platforms and routine planned maintenance hence it was removed. We then supplied and installed our 50mm bird netting, on occasion utilising the reliable existing fixings already in situ, our galvanised beam clamps were used to hold the tensile strength loads on the wire rope framework of the netting system. 

Net zips were installed in order to provide regular access through the net for the light fixtures. 

In response to the Omicron variant at the time the CLC SOPS (Site Operating Procedures) were observed by all parties to ensure full compliance whilst the prestart walk arounds and installation works took place. 

Access Strategy:

Due to the nature of the work area our works were carried out using GRP Towers (fibreglass scaffold towers) as normal alloy/aluminium towers were unsuitable. The Glass Reinforced Polymer (GRP) are great use for indoor or outdoor work when you need a non-conductive access system. 

Our team were able to access their working areas via the main station entrances and followed the lead of the COSS on site, TVP’s issued in line with possession requirements. 

The working areas were boarded off using rail side approved blue barriers.  

Network Rail (Railtrack) approved hi vis railway clothing and PPE worn whilst on site.

Comments:

Our client had this to say regarding each site: 

Newton Abbot: 

“The experience and knowledge of the installation Team showed in all aspects of their work. 

The work was well planned, they adapted to changes in availability of line blocks and installed neat solutions to some tricky areas. 

Even though all the works were carried out at night, their communications with us was excellent throughout. 

All the work was completed to a very high standard, no snagging required and with no disruption to the operation of the station. Nice guys, nothing phased them, a pleasure to work with.” 

Taunton: 

“This was arranged at very short notice due to client's requirements.  Thank you, Tom, for organizing a team so quickly. 

There were some awkward areas in this Victorian structure, but again the team came up with neat solutions that worked, and the client was very happy with the end result. 

It's been a pleasure working with ECO Environmental on these projects and I look forward to more in the coming year.”