Bolton Council has responded after a controversial telecom mast was installed on private land - leaving a retired couple upset and in disbelief.

The Bolton News reported how Robert  and Josephine Marie Bootle were surprised to see an IX Wireless pole being installed on their land on South Drive in Harwood.

Council officers say that although it is 'third party land' it is maintained by Bolton Council so infrastructure can be installed on it.

The couple's granddaughter, Kelly Ann Shacklady, who has been supporting them, says the family have been left stressed and with no idea what to do.

Kelly said: “The council started mowing the land and say they had a right to adopt it but my grandad should have been told about it.

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“Nobody mentioned this to him, and he has no recollection of it.

"The least we thought was that they would give us a courtesy call but the fact they are saying that have, is just a lie.

"There is a footpath going through it, but the mast is on the grass verge."

Kelly says the family are still waiting for answers after Bolton North East MP Mark Logan and Cllr Mudasir Deane went to see the family outside the house.

Kelly said: “It is awful and so stressful.

"You feel like you are going round in circles and that this can happen is ridiculous.

"How many people get their land 'taken off' them without them knowing?"

The council confirmed that while the land is private, and a public highway goes on top of it, which allows the local authority to maintain it.

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: “We are aware of the concerns raised and have been in correspondence with the residents, ward councillors and the local MP.

“The law is clear that a highway can be on private land and, if so, it is maintained by the council at public expense.

“That means that the same legal conditions and highways rules apply, even if the land below is owned by a third party, including matters like public access and the installation of any infrastructure.

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“While we fully understand the frustration this may have caused, situations like this are relatively common and we are required to follow the relevant laws.”

Kelly said: “I can’t believe this has happened and they are stressed out about everything

“There’s a number of factors of why it should not have gone ahead.

"What I want to know is can the council adopt this land without notifying us?"

IX Wireless told The Bolton News at the time: “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.”