The rail operator has been warned by Wandsworth Council it must carry out pigeon proofing under the railway bridge in Queenstown Road, Battersea, or face a humiliating Asbo.

The bridge has been notorious for pigeon droppings for years. Netting originally put up to stop pigeons roosting proved a desirable new perch for the winged vermin.

Network Rail has promised to do an assessment of the bridge at the end of next month and carry out work if necessary.

The Asbo, usually used to prohibit hooligans and nuisance offenders from areas, would be a symbolic way of shaming Network Rail.

A 10-signature petition handed into the council claimed pedestrians were putting their safety at risk by walking on the road under bridge, rather than tread on the mess-ridden pavements.

One unfortunate pedestrian was hit directly in the eye by a pigeon dropping.

Labour Councillor Stuart King said: "If we are not satisfied with the response from Network Rail I think we should hit them with an Asbo, which is what other authorities have done with people who put up fly posters.

"While I am not sure it would have the immediate impact and embarrassment factor, it might actually push Network Rail along the path they need to be going.

"Six to eight years down the line we seem to get the same promises."

The council has upped its street washing under the bridge from monthly to weekly but residents still complained.

A Network Rail spokeswoman said: "Network Rail would like to thank local people for their patience and assure them that we take issues such as this very seriously.

"Following a full assessment of the bridge, which will be done by the end of February and will identify what work is required, we will arrange for any necessary measures to be done as soon as possible."