THIS section of railway over Station Road, Taunton, could well be referred to as the bridge of sighs.

Not that it bears any resemblance to the magnificent structure over one of the canals in Venice.

It's just that there's nothing attractive about it and pedestrians, motorists and cyclists must be fed up every time they go under it.

This was the scene today (Saturday) - and has been for several days.

Admittedly, we've had plenty of rain, but a large puddle at the side of the road has formed over the last ten days or so.

Drivers mostly steer clear of the water that has built up, although some seem to delight in splashing people walking along the pavement.

And cyclists have to veer out of the cycle lane to avoid getting drenched.

On top of that, the bridge has been blighted by scores of pigeons roosting under the bridge for years.

A number of unsuccessful attempts have been made to scare them off costing hundreds of thousands of pounds - a 'wailer' machine supposed to frighten the birds was ineffectual, while netting put up under the bridge also met with no success and was soon removed.

The pavement is also regularly littered with pigeon poo, while some people are guilty of throwing down rubbish there.

It certainly gives a poor first impression to people arriving in Taunton by train.

And probably explains why there are plans to switch the main entrance and exit to the station to the south side.