IX Wireless install mast on land belonging to Harwood couple

The first Robert Bootle and his wife Josephine Marie Bootle knew that one of the controversial masts was being earmarked for their land, which is clearly highlighted in the deeds to their property, was in September of last year when work started.

Now this week, contractors for IX Wireless were on their land at South Drive in Harwood to install the pole.

IX Wireless told The Bolton News that the company "took a great deal of care when confirming locations for infrastructure".

In September police were called and the couple say the land was restored to how it was before.

The couple say they had no warning a mast would be installed on their land, only that a telecoms pole was planned for the area.

But this week, to their surprise work started again - with the telecoms pole now installed.

Mr Bootle said: “It’s an eyesore and the fact is that it is our land.

“Our neighbours called the police again, but they said they could not do anything because IX Wireless claimed to have permission to install them.

“It’s an obstruction to our view as well and to the area, and most importantly – it’s on our land and they did not ask for our permission or even inform us.”

Mr Bootle emailed the council’s highways department regarding the issue.

However, Mr Bootle said: “According to my freehold agreement and the Land Registry Office, the land belongs to us.

“This problem will come up again if we ever tried to sell and the buyer’s solicitor would find this out in a property search.

“We are getting old, and our family will have this to deal with.

“There has been no communication with us at all.”

Kelly Ann Shacklady has been supporting her grandparents and has been calling for help from the authorities to deal with the situation.

It seems the issue centres around the fact although the land is private, it is maintained by highways.

A spokesperson for IX Wireless said: “We work with local councils throughout the process and update the authorities through regular meetings and correspondence. This is something we have done from the outset.

“This particular location is a replacement site for Harwood Vale. 

“As far as we are aware the land has been fully adopted by highways which means we were permitted to install here. We believe the council have explained this to the resident previously.

“Our first choice of location was Harwood Vale but we were then asked to move the infrastructure to this location.

“We are keen to work with the resident and the council to ensure we can reach an amicable solution.”

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Ms Shacklady made a post on Facebook which was shared widely in Bolton.

She said: “It is upsetting for them and disgraceful that I have to turn to social media because nobody will help.

“My grandad is nearly 90 now and my grandma 85, and they do not need this at this age, they should not be dealing with it when it is clearly their land.”

The installation of telecom poles has proved controversial in Bolton, with a protest previously held in Harwood and in the town centre.

Councillors in Bolton are speaking to the council and the family regarding a mediation.

Conservative councillor for the Bradshaw ward, Leslie Webb said: "I am waiting for a letter from Bolton Council.

"The property is within the red line for Land Registry but the maintenance of the land is the responsibility of Highways so there is confusion.

"It’s a long struggle even for me as it’s a piece of planning legislation."

Cllr Mudasir Dean and MP Mark Logan are currently at the site of the mast speaking to residents and trying to find a solution.

Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Nick Peel said: "It (the land) is in private ownership, but at the same time, it is highway land, maintained by the council.

"It's not an unusual situation, there are many examples of public highway on private land."