Over Hulton: IX Wireless erect poles on Reynolds Close

Reynolds Close in Over Hulton was the latest street to have the controversial masts installed on Wednesday, April 3, by IX Wireless. 

Those who live on the close and in the streets surrounding it raised their concern and distaste regarding the poles, labelling them "eyesores". 

As well as disliking the poles' appearance, residents say that they already have good broadband in the area, so they're not needed. 

Now, a petition has been launched for the poles to be removed. 

Haris Bhuta and Neil Whittle (Image: Newsquest)

Resident Neil Whittle said: "I said what would happen if the cars were parked on the pavements. 

"We got the letter but it didn't state when they would be turning up, they just told us they were going to do it. 

"The fact is, it is going to make the close more cluttered. It's not needed, we've got Virgin and BT which already gives us broadband. 

"It is down to money. There are already poles going up on Newbrook Road and around the corner, it is not going to look nice. It just seems like once they've got a foothold it will continue." 

Neil has set up the petition with fellow local residents Haris Bhuta and David Myring. 

Workers erecting poles on Reynolds Close (Image: Newsquest)

Haris said: "We need to get the petition to the council as soon as possible. It says on the notices that we can object, and we definitely will do so. 

"The houses are all bungalows on here, so the poles are sticking out like a sore thumb. We are trying to get them removed. 

Read more: Neighbours win battle to have telecoms pole removed from their 'village green' 

Read more: 'No one asked for it, nobody wants it' anger as wooden poles continue to sprout up

"Between myself and David, we have around 55-60 signatures so far." 

David lives on the Breeze Hill end of the estate, where last year over 100 locals signed a petition to stop poles being erected. 

He added: "I am joining with these friends and neighbours, it will affect us all, we already have poles on Newbrook Road that we all have to see, and we are all pretty fed up with it. 

David and Haris (Image: Newsquest)

"This is old technology, it takes us back to World War Two. Nobody likes to see them, they make the place look cluttered." 

Resident Josephine Theaker said: "Everybody is happy with their broadband, we have Virgin, BT, and they haven't given us enough notice. 

"They sent us a letter two weeks ago informing that's what we are hoping to do. Also said would consult us again prior to putting it up."

Another nearby resident said it was an "absolute disgrace". 

One other asked one of the workers on scene "do you have poles outside your house?" 

A contractor's truck (Image: Newsquest)

Ward councillor Derek Bullock said: "After last year's successful campaign by residents against the installation of Freedom Fibre poles across Over Hulton, it is unacceptable for another company, IX, to just come along and install poles, without any consultation with residents, who had made it clear through petitions and objections that they do not wish to have them installed in their area. 

"I have contacted local MP's to ask for their assistance in preventing any further installation work going ahead."

A spokesperson for IX Wireless said: “We continue to engage and work closely with local communities including the local authorities over the installation of infrastructure.

“Residents can reach out directly to IX Wireless and we will endeavour to address any concerns people may have.

“The teams have worked hard to do this despite the challenges and for this our efforts have been noted.

“The company remains committed to delivering superfast broadband at affordable prices to all communities and want to ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to digital connectivity." 

She added: “Through our ‘Internet For Everyone’ campaign, we also offer 20 per cent of our service to community groups and charities.

“In some towns we have now allocated hundreds of connections for free to social causes.”