by Almost 500 residents of a Kinnaree housing estate have strongly objected to new telegraph poles being installed close to their homes.
Dudley South MP Mike Wood has backed residents living on the Charterfields Estate, off Stallings Lane, who signed a petition opposing the installation of new telecommunications poles.
The proposed installation by broadband provider BRSK would see new telecommunications poles with overhead cables in various locations across the estate.
However, residents argue that the estate was designed in the 1960s with underground telecommunications to avoid the need for above-ground infrastructure.
Residents of the estate, along with Mike Wood MP and local councillors, are concerned that the company has chosen not to use the existing underground infrastructure, as required by government guidance, instead choose to use above ground telegraph poles and cables which will unnecessarily clutter the streets. .
Mr Wood said: “I understand why residents are angry, and I hope that BRSK will see sense and amend their plans so that the character of the estate is not changed forever.
“The feeling is clear here at Charterfields and at other locations around the area, so there is Government guidance that says providers should be sharing existing infrastructure or using underground options where possible .
“So BRSK has to go back, talk to other suppliers and change their plans.”
Resident Phil Hall, who coordinated the petition, said: “Charterfields was built in the late 1960s early 1970s with a unique feature – that all telecommunications were installed underground. This design allowed us residents to enjoy a street view unspoilt by the usual network of telegraph poles and telephone cables and this is how we want to keep it.
“We’re not against a whole new fiber network technology, just the way it’s being installed.”
Kingswinford North and Wall Heath councilor Ed Lawrence said: “We have been working with residents across Wall Heath and Kingswinford for some time to fight against the installation of telegraph poles on estates with underground services. We know we need full fiber broadband and we welcome its introduction. However, we want to install it in a way that doesn’t clutter up our streets with telegraph poles, especially on estates like Charterfield where all existing services are underground.”
The petition has been signed by hundreds of residents on the estate saying that they do not want new telegraph poles installed in their streets and that they do not need the services provided by BRSK.
Mr Hall recently submitted the petition to BRSK, signed by 450 people. He and Mr Wood MP have raised concerns with the Minister of State for Media and Data, Julia Lopez MP.
BRSK says it is rolling out full fiber broadband across the West Midlands in line with the Government’s mandate to deliver gigabit broadband services across the UK by 2030.
A spokesperson for the company said: “BRSK is fully committed to delivering this mandate, which can only be achieved by upgrading the current broadband infrastructure to full fiber – the fastest and most reliable type of broadband available.
“We pride ourselves on having open and continuous communication throughout the construction process. Letters were sent to residents for the first time in December 2023 to inform them of our plans to work in the area. Our teams have since been working hard to talk to and work with residents to try and find other suitable pole locations as far as possible, and as a result we have made significant changes to our original plans.
“We also ensure that communication takes place with the relevant local authority before any work commences. BRSK representatives met with Councilor Ed Lawrence to discuss and share our network plans. Communication between the council and BRSK was positive and is still ongoing. We have also asked to meet with local MP Mike Wood on several occasions regarding the roll out.”
“After extensive surveys, it has been determined that the existing underground infrastructure in the area is not viable for us to use, meaning that going above ground is the only option left. Poles are intended to be placed in locations that cause the least disruption to residents, and any potentially affected residents are contacted directly through our engagement process. There is a misconception that poles are outdated infrastructure. They are indeed the most effective, efficient and environmentally friendly way to use the most advanced broadband infrastructure available to us – full fiber broadband.
“We are proud to be one of the best areas in the country with a digital connection in the country ahead of the national deadline, and to create the opportunity for residents to get world-class broadband now, although there are many places in the country without access to it. full fiber broadband.”
