Wandsworth Council has faced backlash after spending £600,000 on a paint job for two railway bridges at East Putney tube station, with residents comparing the new colours to IKEA furniture. The project, completed in May 2026, included repainting and 'pigeon-proofing' the bridges, which are owned by Network Rail and Transport for London.
Residents criticise 'garish' colours
Homeowner Emma, who has lived in Putney for eight years, described the new colour scheme as 'out of character' compared to the previous muted red. '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,' the 38-year-old said.
The paint job, carried out in March under the previous council administration, has been compared to brands such as IKEA and HSS Hire. Conservative ward councillor and cabinet member for children George Crivelli said: 'I think it's a bit too bright, and not in keeping with the local area. My main concern about it was that, in effect, one councillor has decided the colour scheme on it. What I would have liked was that we actually, maybe, consulted local residents on it.'
No formal consultation held
Council officers confirmed that there was no formal consultation for the paint job, as it was considered 'capital maintenance' and not legally required. The repainting was done according to a specification recommended by the local council and approved by former Labour councillor Finna Ayres.
Crivelli added: 'I'm very pleased to see the bridge being repainted, and I'm very pleased to see it being cleaned up, but a lot of people think it's a bit garish, and I have to say I'm inclined to agree on that. The only positive thing about those bright colours is that I suppose it will fade over time, won't it?'
Council defends decision
In response to backlash last month, a senior transport planner at the council said there were 'no plans to revise the design', noting that the number of negative comments was '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.'
