RESIDENTS of a street that objected to an “ugly pole” are fuming after their homes were left out on a town-wide internet upgrade.
Locals of Rogers Meadow have been excluded from the roll-out of ultrafast full-fibre broadband in Marlborough, Wilts, as they wanted to protect their street’s skyline.
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Openreach had been due to put a telegraph pole in the road but were met with fierce opposition.
And due to the level of public anger, the plans have now been shelved.
One objector, who wished to remain anonymous, 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.”
After several complaints, those protesting the plans were informed no pole would be erected.
But they rushed to panic stations when workmen arrived on the scene with a pole on Thursday, September 7.
After discussions with residents the installation team reportedly left without carrying out any work and, according to Openreach, will not be returning.
The firm confirmed that, following consultation with locals in Rogers Meadow, they would not be installing any poles in the street.
As a result, inhabitants of Rogers Meadow will not be able to upgrade to ultrafast full fibre on the Openreach network, although the firm’s build will go ahead as planned for the rest of the town.
A spokesperson for Openreach said: “Our engineers and build partners are working hard to bring ultrafast, 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 ultrafast Full Fibre but following objections from residents we have removed this street from our build plan.”
