Bolton residents object to telecoms poles in two wards

People living in parts of both Astley Bridge and Bromley Cross say they are unhappy about proposed nine-metre poles.

Councillors have encouraged residents to make their views known before work progresses.

Cllr Charlotte Cadden has been supporting residents in Lower Marlands, while Cllr Hilary Fairclough has been contacted by people living around Thornham Drive in Astley Bridge.

Cllr Cadden said: "They just don't want the BT offer.

Residents upset about new poles near Higher Ridings. (Image: Cllr Charlotte Cadden)

"I think as more people become aware that this is not a service that everybody needs or wants, it's for a BT product.

"So when they realise that all this is going over ground and it's going to alter the way where they live looks, they don't want it.

"It's building some frustration because it seems like residents are saying that it's being done to them without any consultation."

In Bromley Cross and Egerton, Cllr Cadden said residents on Lower Marlands had already submitted objections before poles were installed, with further concerns now being raised elsewhere around Higher Ridings.

She said residents had asked her to approach BT Openreach on their behalf after objections were lodged, adding that people felt they could achieve more by acting together than individually.

Cllr Cadden has already stopped the erection of a set of telecom poles near Grange Park Road, also in Bromley Cross.

In Astley Bridge, notices have appeared in the Thornham Drive area advising residents of planned telecommunications poles intended to support broadband connectivity.

Cllr Fairclough said she had received enquiries from residents about the proposals and encouraged anyone with concerns to submit objections.

She added: "I don't like them.

Hilary Fairclough with one pole in Astley Bridge. (Image: Cllr Hilary Fairclough)

"I think the problem is that they can go underground. We've spent years trying to get rid of furniture on the pavements in particular.

"And now we're back to all these cabinets and everything, everywhere. I just don't like it, personally."

Although she said only a small number of people had contacted her so far, Cllr Fairclough believes more residents may raise concerns once work begins.

She said: "I do think that when the poles start going up, people will complain then.

"But then at least I can say, look, I did my best to let you know."

An Openreach spokesperson said: “We know most people are keen to see better broadband in their area, but we also understand that not everyone is happy about having a new pole put up near their home.

"Wherever possible, we use existing poles and ducts while building our full fibre network, but in some areas, this simply isn’t feasible, and installing new poles is the only way to connect homes and businesses quickly and affordably. 

"We always follow local planning rules and do take local circumstances into account when planning our work.”