Residents angry at the appearance of poles in their neighbourhood grilled their local MP

The Bolton News has previously reported about the appearance of 6G poles in parts off the borough.

Now feelings among residents living on one estate in Smithills are running high over what they say is the lack of consultation and the positioning of the poles

They had a meeting on the junction of Whitecroft Road and Chorley Old Road with Chris Green MP discussing the lack of consultation and positioning of some of the poles, with one claiming one was making it hard for her to get out of her drive.

The residents also questioned Mr Green over a £5,000 donation made to him via the infrastructure company IX Wireless behind the company 6Ginternet.

Some residents who will be directly affected by the installation of the poles, say they received letters, but others in the area haven’t.

Ruth Whitehead who lives on Whitecroft Road, Smithills, says that when she returned from holiday, her neighbours told her that 6G poles would be installed in the area, including Devonshire Road.

She said that the poles are unnecessary, old fashioned, and that the infrastructure should underground instead.

The Bolton News: Some poles have already been installed Some poles have already been installed (Image: Public)

Ruth added: “I didn’t receive a letter at all, and I don’t think some people are aware.

“We already have high speed internet here and it’s just so archaic above the ground when they could be put underground.

“And one of them is right on the front of the road where parking is an issue anyway.

“Is it really necessary to have extra furniture on the street?

“My main issue is that no one was consulted and it’s nice to consult before going ahead.”

Bernadette Frodsham on Chorley Old Road found out about the work when she got a letter in the post, but she says that prior to this she also wasn’t consulted.

She added: “They are only sending us details when we are directly affected, so there’s only so many aware of it.

The Bolton News: Bernadette close to her house and near where a pole will be installedBernadette close to her house and near where a pole will be installed (Image: Newsquest)

“And it seems that the company have authority to do what they want.

“I was just told in a letter without local consultation.

“And it’s just another thing that makes you miserable about your area.

“We have no voice at all.”

She also questioned why some of the existing telegraph poles couldn’t be used, or why they had to be at the front.

Bernadette also says that her area is already really good for internet compared to some hard-to-reach areas.

Other residents were also concerned that this would bring the value of their homes down, as well as affect the views and be unsightly.

Cllr Roger Hayes – who represents Smithills – says that he has received several complaints from residents in the area and has also been in touch with other officers to see if there is anything he can do.

The Bolton News: Residents voicing their concerns with Chris Green MPResidents voicing their concerns with Chris Green MP (Image: Newsquest)

He did however say that planning permission was not needed under new Government legislation, and that this meant the council have no control over it.

He said: “The Government changed planning laws, so they don’t need to submit a planning application to the council and the council has no control over it.

“It will clutter the streets up.

“There are telegraph poles in the back streets, so why do they need similar poles in the front?

“It’s absolutely ridiculous.

“And it’s a free for all.”

He says that other companies have installed cables underground, which he says, although expensive, it is less unsightly.

On the other hand, he does agree that broadband does need to improve for many but thinks it should be done in a way that isn’t unsightly.

Cllr Hayes also says that he wasn’t aware this was happening until he received Bernadette’s letter raising concerns.

A Bolton Council spokesman previously told The Bolton News: "Under a planning law known as “permitted development”, the companies are allowed to install the wooden telegraph poles without first getting permission from the council.

"The poles are distinct from mobile phone or 5G towers which are significantly taller and are subject to the full planning process before installation, including consultation with local residents.”

On IX Wireless’s website, it states: “Our code power licence is classed as 'Permitted Developments' under Town and Country Planning legislation, so we don't have to apply for planning permission before beginning a new build.

“We carefully consider the location of every piece of network infrastructure, ensuring that every project causes minimal disruption to communities and the natural environment.

“We maintain an open, transparent and consistent communication strategy with the public, during every stage of a network installation and we encourage members of the community to offer any feedback or suggestions for improvement.”

Read More:

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.