Entire street moans about ‘ugly’ pole – now it won’t get fast broadband

An entire street is missing out on an internet upgrade because its residents objected to the installation of a broadband pole.

People living in Rogers Meadow in Marlborough, Wiltshire, complained about the ‘ugly’ pole being put up because they said it would ruin the road’s skyline.

One anonymous objector said: ‘It’s nonsense because most people don’t want the pole and it’s only a small street so it would spoil the skyline.

‘It was a very big pole, it would be like going back in time and wires would be everywhere, it would look like a chicken run.

‘How would you like it? In this day and age, those things should go under the ground, it’s an ugly thing to put up.’

When the plans to install the pole – which would deliver ultra-fast full-fibre broadband to the area – were released by Openreach, there was fierce opposition.

Then when workers arrived on September 7, residents rushed to protest against the installation.

As a result they left the road and Openreach said the setup will now not be completed.

The street will now not benefit from the faster broadband like the rest of the town.

A spokesperson for the company said: ‘Our engineers and build partners are working hard to bring ultra-fast, ultra-reliable full-fibre broadband to Marlborough.

‘This will not only create huge benefits to families and businesses in the area but also a welcome boost to the local economy.

‘Wherever possible, we use existing infrastructure such as poles and ducts while building full fibre. We’re aware of the visual impact our equipment can have and the balance between cost effectiveness, aesthetics and safety can be difficult to achieve.

‘As a result, there are times when we simply cannot avoid erecting poles to provide services efficiently, safely and in a sound engineering manner.

‘In this case, a new pole was the only feasible way of delivering ultra-fast full fibre but following objections from residents we have removed this street from our build plan.’

These broadband poles have been causing rows all over the country – including in Hull, where a pensioner staged a sit-in protest to prevent workers from installing one.

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