Residents in Wandsworth are expressing their discontent over the local council’s decision to spend £600,000 on repainting two railway bridges near East Putney Tube station in southwest London. The project, which included “pigeon-proofing” the metalwork, was completed in March by the previous administration before the May local elections. However, locals are criticizing the new blue and yellow color scheme, likening it to IKEA branding and HSS Hire.
Emma, a long-time resident, voiced her disappointment, stating that the vibrant colors clash with the traditional aesthetics of Putney. She described the new look as out of place and not in harmony with the area’s surroundings, dubbing it the “IKEA bridge.”
Council officials defended the paint job, explaining that it was done according to the local authority’s recommendations and was categorized as “capital maintenance,” not a legal requirement. Conservative councillor George Crivelli expressed his concerns about the bright color scheme, emphasizing the lack of consultation with residents before finalizing the design.
Despite acknowledging the necessity of the repainting and cleanup work, Crivelli and other residents find the colors garish and unsuitable for the East Putney neighborhood. They hope that the hues will fade over time. In response to the criticism, a council spokesperson clarified that there are no plans to alter the design, noting that the negative feedback represents only a small portion of the community considering the project’s scale.
The Wandsworth Council confirmed that the painting project cost £600,000 and was finished in May 2026.
