IX Wireless protest in Bolton with hundreds gathering

The ‘residents against IX Wireless’ group met after the telecoms company installed a metal mast on Lea Gate Close, Harwood, without, say campaigners, prior consultation.  

Lea Gate Close, Bolton (Image: Simon Taylor)

Residents met at Morrisons Petrol Station before heading to the mast for a community meeting.  

Protest organiser, Martin Henderson, said that he hoped this would inspire other areas to hold similar meetings and end what he called the ‘diabolical needless installation’.  

He said: “I'm gobsmacked at how many people showed up here today, there looks to be around 150.  

Martin Henderson on Lea Gate Close, Bolton (Image: Simon Taylor)

“The numbers show how real the concern is for residents who feel that this is not of any benefit to the community.  

“It isn't even people from Bolton who have come here today, there are people here who are facing similar situations where they live and want to talk about what we can do to stop this.”  

Julie Eaton, 59, travelled to the protest from Middleton (Image: Newsquest)

Julie Eaton, 59, travelled to the protest from Middleton after discovering poles are being installed in her area.

She said: “We are about two months behind the residents of Bolton in terms of installing the masts but we expect that they will be installing those rocket launchers very soon.

Protest on Lea Gate Close, Bolton (Image: Newsquest)

“One of the selling points of my street was that everything was underground, we didn’t have any hanging wires at all but that is about to change. 

“My neighbours and I have been parking our cars on the pavements to stop poles being put up but I wanted to come here today to see what is happening in Bolton and learn some more about what can be done.”  

Stuart Haslam on Lea Gate Close, Bolton (Image: Public)

Under a planning law known as ‘permitted development’, companies do not need permission to install masts or telegraph poles up to 15 meters tall. 

As a result, Cllr Stuart Haslam said he is seeking an injunction to stop any more from appearing.  

Protest on Lea Gate Close, Bolton (Image: Newsquest)

Cllr Haslam said: “There is so much anger and angst about these poles and in particular the masts which are going up.  

“I have asked the council officers if they will consider taking out an injunction to try and stop them from doing any more work until issues can be clarified.”  

(Right) Janine Lawder and her daughter, Evie (Image: Newsquest)

Mum, Janine Lawder and her daughter, Evie, attended the protest with signs saying 'No to IX Wireless'. 

The mast on Lea Gate Close, Bolton (Image: Newsquest)

Janine said: “We can see it straight out of the bedroom window and they're going to be adding more so it’s just going to get even worse. 

“It's awful and quite worrying."

Martin Henderson, with Independent Choice candidate for Heaton, Lostock, Ladybridge and Chew Moor, Gordon Campbell (Image: Newsquest)

Local MP, Mark Logan, could not attend the protest but has met with local residents to discuss the construction.

Mr Logan said he escalated the issue to the Minister for Housing and Planning demanding urgent support to rectify the ‘monstrosities’. 

Protest on Lea Close, Bolton (Image: Newsquest)

He said: “Residents have every right to be peeved off - the recent installation off Lea Gate in Bradshaw looks like something out of a sci-fi movie.” 

Cllr Jacqueline Radcliffe also attended with the Independent Choice candidate for Heaton, Lostock, Ladybridge and Chew Moor, Gordon Campbell and the prospective Labour Candidate for Bolton North East, Kirith Entwistle. 

The admin of the growing Facebook group Residents against IX Wireless (6G Internet Ltd) said it is not unusual to see over 100 new members just on weekends alone. 

Protest on Lea Close, Bolton (Image: Newsquest)

Marek Kamella said: “Growth rate of the group is really picking up pace as more and more areas are affected by the IX Wireless rollout.  

“People are waking up to find 50 ft steel masts dug right next to their exterior walls preventing access to parts of their own property. 

Lea Gate Close, Bolton (Image: Simon Taylor)

“Areas in Bolton that have been marked as conservation areas now have telegraph poles and masts that purely benefit a private company."

A spokesperson for IX Wireless said: “The network delivers gigabit capable broadband services at a fraction of the cost of other broadband providers.

“The roll out enables us to provide cheaper broadband to communities across the region.

“The industry is heavily regulated and all structures go through stringent tests and conform to industry standards.

“This also goes for the placement of the poles and the local council is aware of any work being undertaken.

“Of course we are keen to improve our communications where we can, and in many towns and cities we have weekly meetings with council executives and elected officials to help resolve and communication issues.

“It is our intention to look at sites within the vicinity that are being highlighted and see how we can improve our service to local residents.

“Our intention is also to provide high speed internet access to communities and residents who may not be able to access it.

“It must also be noted that through out ISP, 6G Internet the company is running a campaign across the region to end  ‘digital exclusion’ and are donating 20% of their network for free to a range of causes, this includes charities, schools and community groups.”