Lawyers for Enfield Council are threatening to take Network Rail, formerly known as Railtrack, to court over who is responsible for cleaning up the droppings.

It has served an abatement notice under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, ordering the company to remove the mess from six crossings in the borough as it is a health hazard.

Network Rail has two weeks to respond.

Councillor Terry Neville, an environment committee member, said: "I and many of my colleagues have received plenty of complaints about the pigeon mess under bridges which not only smells to high heaven but is down right dangerous to pedestrians.

"It's time Railtrack accepted its responsibilities and clear this mess up and I am determined to use all legal process if necessary to see that they do."

A spokesperson for the company said: "We will be responding to the council as soon as we can."