Bridge overrun with pigeons to reopen

The pedestrian bridge has been shut since April

A city centre pedestrian bridge which has been closed for weeks due to a pigeon infestation is to reopen next week.

Sunderland City Council said it shut St Mary's Way at the end of April and called in pest control to tackle the problem.

Hundreds of vehicles pass under the bridge - which links St Mary's multi-storey car Park to High Street West, near Wearmouth Bridge - every day.

The council said repairs had also been carried out and it appreciated the public's "patience" while the route was closed.

In May the council said it would soon be carrying out repairs at St Mary's car park costing £620,000, as well as at the nearby Sunniside multi-storey facility at a cost of £1.5m.

The work at St Mary's will include replacing the corroded steel roof frame along with heating and ventilation system repairs.

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