Feeling so cross in telephone nightmare

8:47am Wednesday 9th January 2008

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FURIOUS homeowners have told how weeks without phone lines and internet access has left their lives in chaos.

Around 370 families in Bromley Cross have been affected by damage to underground cables owned by BT.

Businesses in the area have also been hit, with many shops, including the local supermarket and off-licence, unable to accept payment by card.

BT originally said it could be as late as January 21 before the problem was resolved, but last night indicated most homes could be back on line by the end of the week.

And while the news has been welcomed, many residents feel it has taken too long to repair the damage.

Self-employed consultant George Almond, of Chapeltown Road, Bromley Cross, works from home and relies on the internet to keep in touch with clients across the world.

But instead of being able to instantly respond to emails he is having to make a daily trip to Harwood Library a mile or so away to use the computer there to check his messages.

"It is a big problem and it is very frustrating," said Mr Almond.

"Every time I have wanted to send or receive emails I have to go to the library "This has been going on since December 21 but nothing has been done about it until after Christmas."

Among the businesses affected are the Co-op and Bargain Booze, both in Darwen Road.

They are only able to accept cash as credit and debit card equipment relies on the phone lines. The cash machine in the Co-op is also out of action.

Some people have had their phone calls rerouted to mobile phones by BT while others are unaffected as they are signed up to cable telephone.

But concerns have been expressed that many of the 370 households affected are owned by elderly people who have become isolated as many do not have a mobile phone.

Bromley Cross councillor Alan Wilkinson is one of those affected by the problems and says while the loss of the service is inconvenient, his real concern lies with elderly neighbours who have temporarily lost their Careline system.

"Most of the neighbours around here are elderly. Some are essentially cut-off and that is what's worrying me," he said.

A Darwen Road resident who does not have a mobile phone said she felt isolated by the loss of her phone line and that it was difficult to keep in touch with friends and family.

"It is just a lot of nuisance," she said.

"Thank goodness it didn't happen this time last year when I was having chemotherapy. It must be difficult for anyone who is poorly."

Ann Durkin, of Chetwyn Avenue in Bromley Cross, has had to rely on her mobile phone - running up a bigger bill - while her landline and computer are out of action. I will just be glad when it is back on," she said.

"I feel sorry for people who have got family abroad who can't talk to them on the internet."

The loss of the phone lines was caused when water damaged underground cables several miles away in Andrew Lane in Astley Bridge on December 21.

Temporary traffic lights were put up on January 3 to allow 180 metres of ducting to be installed under the road and new cable to be fitted. BT says services will gradually be restored this week.

A spokeswoman said: "Repair planning and work has been going on since the original incident.

"I cannot say for sure precisely when we will finish reconnecting those affected, but I can assure everybody we will complete the work as quickly as possible over the next two or three days."

• Repairs have been carried out to three telephone junction boxes in Great Lever, which were set alight by vandals just before Christmas.

BT says all 200 customers affected should have been reconnected by yesterday.