IX Wireless has been carrying out work in Bolton with the “minimum notice possible,” the leader of the council has said.

Numerous complaints have been made in recent months about large items being set up near people’s homes.

Council leader Martyn Cox also said that where possible officers will step in to prevent work from taking place but this is sometimes difficult.

Cllr Andrea Taylor-Burke it had generated a huge amount of casework.

She said: “As locally elected representatives by the people of Bolton we have bene completely overridden, we have been left powerless to represent the people of Bolton.”

She asked at a meeting of the full council what efforts have been made to resist IX Wireless' work.

Cllr Cox said: “Officers and elected members are aware of not only the disruption but the upset presently being caused by IX Wireless across the borough.

“Unfortunately the council’s involvement as a planning authority and local highway authority is limited as telecoms apparatus such as masts, wooden poles and cabinets do not require planning permission of highways licence.

“Despite repeated requests from IX Wireless they have never submitted a forward programme and all the installations have been undertaken with the minimum notice possible.

“Our officers in Highways have not been able to track, plan or communicate these works in advance.

“Officers in the planning service have sought legal advice in respect of whether enforcement action can be taken, unfortunately this is not always feasible, but where planning law has been breached the service will seek to take appropriate enforcement action.

“Council officers have recently set up a dialogue with IX Wireless to set out expectations and to ensure they are following national planning regulations.

“Greater Manchester Combined Authority also plan to organise a meeting with IX to be attended by officers from a number of Greater Manchester authorities who are also reflecting similar concerns where IX are installing apparatus.”