A retired teacher and justice of the peace in Bolton has staged a sit-down protest to stop an IX Wireless pole going up outside his home.

James Mitchinson, 81, returned from a trip away to find a letter informing him of the plans to put the mast near his home on Hardy Mill Road, Harwood.

The Bolton News: He came back from holiday to learn about it

Mr Mitchinson, who taught in Middleton and did supply work at Turton School and Canon Slade School,  says he has stayed in every day with his wife in anticipation of the installation.

And when they turned up this (Thursday) morning, Mr Mitchinson sat on a chair outside his home at the spot which had been earmarked for the installation.

He said those who had been due to install it took pictures of him.

A pole was then installed further up the road near Bramhall Avenue.

Mr Mitchinson said: "I think I have fought them off for now.

"They have said they need to be 70 metres apart and they have to be visible to each other.

"I'm worried they will come back or target somebody else, I have warned the others."

He expressed his outrage at the plans.

He said: “I came back from holiday and was not able to contact anybody about it.

“All I got is a note, I know nothing about it, I couldn't get hold of anybody at all.

“The house would lose value.

“I have lived here more than 40 years.

“I came off holiday in the Lake District at the weekend, and it was not until late in the evening, I couldn’t get hold of anybody to talk to.The Bolton News: It will be set up outside his home

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“The house was built in 1933 and was used initially as a vicarage before I presume the vicar got another place closer to the church.

"It would ruin the value of the house, it could be one of those monstrosities you see elsewhere."

Mr Mitchinson was told the developers could turn up at any point this week, and said he has been worried about leaving the house as a result.

He said: "I have gone to the supermarket but my wife stayed at home, we couldn't leave."

The letter stated: “IX Wireless Ltd will shortly be undertaking street works in your area to extends its full fibre network.”

It said the works would took place between Mr Mitchinson's address and the property next door.

IX Wireless have been approached for a comment.

The installation of the poles has proved controversial in Bolton.

Due to rules known as permitted development the normal rules over gaining planning permission from a local authority do not apply.