Independent, The (London): One way for Railtrack to clean up its act

Is there no end to Railtrack's legal troubles? The track operator has lost a legal battle over pigeon poo. A railway bridge in London's Wandsworth was providing a resting-place for the birds, which were doing their business on a busy street below. The Court of Appeal has found in favour of a local council's claim that Railtrack should pay clean-up costs.

Our feathered friends have also proved troublesome for German chemicals and drugs giant Bayer. At its plant near Cologne, it advertises its existence with Europe's biggest illuminated sign, a vast shimmering logo in the shape of an aspirin. By law, the dazzling disc has to be switched off twice a year. Its presence must be mighty confusing for geese as they set out on their migration to sunnier lands.

The cruise trio involved in a bid battle - P&O Princess, Carnival and Royal Caribbean - have bought a program from a UK company called Manpower Software that was originally designed for moving troops round the world. P&O et al have found it can also keep track of tourists when they go ashore and ensure there are enough croupiers manning the roulette tables.