Bolton: Astley Bridge councillor wants internet mast eyesore improved

The mast has been erected on a small plot of land where Andrew Lane joins Blackburn Road in Astley Bridge

The land is used for displays at significant times of the year, and it is currently home to a Remembrance Day tribute.

The new additions to the land have been branded “a dreadful blot on our landscape” by ward councillor and deputy leader of Bolton Council,  Hilary Fairclough.

She added: “The Remembrance displays has been a huge success, but very sadly this community space that we have used for several years has now had some huge ugly boxes and an 16ft monopole erected on it.

READ MORE: 6G poles in Farnworth leave residents mystified

“Whilst we understand the need for better broadband etcetera, residents feel it could have been placed in a better area and were very disappointed that the council didn’t consult or value our contribution to the community.

The units at Andrew Lane (Image: Hilary Fairclough)

“The company responsible has failed to respond to requests made through the council to meet and discuss what could be done to camouflage the boxes.”

For the past two years, the community group who organises the displays, Friends of Astley Bridge, has even been paying for the maintenance of the site, making sure the grass is cut and the area is kept neat and tidy.

Now the regular Christmas display and community tree is going to have to be cancelled, Cllr Fairclough says, as there is no longer enough space.

“The ground has been dug up and left to turn to mud,” Cllr Fairclough said. “It’s tragic that the space has been destroyed in this way.

READ MORE: Bolton Council responds as mystery poles appear in Bolton

“It is very near to our local primary schools and brought Christmas joy to many of the children when we illuminated the space.

“We had intended this year to have some reindeers made of logs displayed on the grass, with illuminated birds and falling illuminated raindrops for the trees, but sadly most of the space has gone.”

A previous Christmas display on the site (Image: Hilary Fairclough)

She added: “It’s so sad that this was not taken into consideration when permission was granted to the company or that the company didn’t feel they could reach out to the community and see if we could work together.

“We believe that there are things that could be done to make the site dual use and it would be a gesture to the community that they want to work with us and maintain the best outlook possible.”

IX Wireless provides the infrastructure - including the masts - for internet provider 6G Internet.

A spokesperson said: “IX Wireless and 6G Internet are committed to improving local communities, not only with faster speed internet but supporting them too.

"We want to engage and are open to suggestions on making the site more visually pleasing to the people who live in the community. We think this a fantastic idea.

"We're aware that a local councillor has suggested putting up artwork near the site, including boards around the units displaying local children's art and we are looking forward to discussing the great ideas put forward – we think they’re all great.

"We run over 12 sessions a week with council departments and encourage any local council members to get in touch with us to discuss how we can help support the area.

"Building better communities through digital inclusivity is a core value of ours. That's why we donate 20 per cent of our network coverage to local charities, schools, and community groups.

"We supply free broadband connections to those that need it, we also work with local charities and organisations giving them free broadband to continue and support the amazing work they do in the community.

"We look forward to working with the local community and Bolton Council to deliver all the benefits we have to offer."

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at lewis.finney@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @lewisfinney18