Wandsworth Council has faced criticism after spending £600,000 on a paint job for two railway bridges at East Putney tube station, with residents comparing the new colours to an IKEA or HSS Hire paint scheme. The project, which also included pigeon-proofing, was completed in May 2026 under the council's previous administration.
Residents call colours 'garish' and 'out of character'
Homeowner Emma, who has lived in Putney for eight years, said the new colour palette is 'out of character' compared to the previous muted red. The 38-year-old told Metro: 'I just think it's a bit of a shame they've gone for this garish colour palette that's not in keeping with the surrounding area. It's all just become a bit of a running joke amongst everyone in terms of the IKEA bridge.'
No formal consultation conducted
Council officers confirmed that no formal consultation was carried out for the paint job, as it was considered 'capital maintenance' and not legally required. The bridges, owned by Network Rail and Transport for London, were repainted according to a specification recommended by the council and approved by former Labour councillor Finna Ayres.
Conservative ward councillor and cabinet member for children George Crivelli criticised the decision, saying: 'I think it's a bit too bright, and not in keeping with the local area. My main concern was that, in effect, one councillor has decided the colour scheme. What I would have liked was that we actually consulted local residents on it.'
Council defends decision
In response to backlash, a senior transport planner at the council said there were 'no plans to revise the design,' noting that negative comments were 'relatively few given the very large numbers of residents and station users.' A Wandsworth Council spokesperson confirmed: 'The cost was £600,000 and the project was completed in May 2026.'
Crivelli added: 'The only positive thing about those bright colours is that I suppose it will fade over time, won't it?'
