03 October 2023 , 12:42
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A 76-year-old woman is furious after a massive broadband mast was erected outside her home, and said it caused her whole house to shake during the installment.
June Eastwood stated that the company IX Wireless did not inform her before commencing work, which caused her entire house to vibrate during the installation process. Alan Chadwick, a neighbour who lives across the street and has a clear view of the pole from his window, confirmed it was installed on August 18.
Ms Eastwood, who has lived in her home for 33 years, now finds herself living next to the towering structure. She expressed fears that further work might be planned, potentially increasing the height of the mast.
In an interview with the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), Ms Eastwood said: "I have no control over it. Green boxes and this have gone up and I never had a word about it. They were here for four hours and everything in the house was shaking. We have been here for 33 and a half years, I was sure they should have given me some warning."
She added: "I think it's a disgrace. Our neighbours can see it when they open the window. What will happen to the price of my house which I have kept in good order? No one will want it."
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The Rochdale resident confirmed she has lodged a complaint with the council regarding the broadband mast and is hopeful that action will be taken, Manchester Evening News reports.
Councillor Neil Emmott, leader of Rochdale Borough Council, has expressed his disapproval over the installation of a large telecommunications structure in the area, referring to it as a "giant monstrosity". He has called upon Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, to put an end to what he terms as "mast madness" in Rochdale.
In a statement to the LDRS, Councillor Emmott said: "This is yet another example of an unsightly and intrusive telecoms development riding roughshod over a local community. It is totally out of keeping for the location and I completely sympathise with the residents who have had this giant monstrosity imposed upon them."
He further criticised the lack of council influence over the placement of these masts, stating: "It is outrageous that councils have no proper say on the siting of these masts, which is why I have consistently called on the government to step in and strengthen planning regulations."
While acknowledging the importance of faster broadband and connectivity, Councillor Emmott voiced his concern over the negative impact of these new masts and poles on local residents. He urged both the government and Ofcom to take decisive action, saying: "I am all for faster broadband and connectivity but these new masts and poles that are springing up everywhere are just heaping misery on people. It's time for the government and the regulator Ofcom to show some teeth, listen to residents and take action to put an end to this mast madness."
The controversial poles, installed by IX Wireless, are designed to carry high-speed broadband. The company has submitted applications to install similar structures in other regions of Greater Manchester, including Oldham where 29 may be installed subject to approval. In 2022, IX Wireless completed works across the North West in towns such as Blackburn, Burnley, Nelson, Accrington and Blackpool.
A representative from IX Wireless stated: "The placement of the poles are within permitted development rules which allow telecom providers throughout the UK to undertake infrastructure work, and local councils are always aware of any work being commenced."
"The latest investment in digital infrastructure will provide the communities in Rochdale with much-needed gigabit-capable broadband services at a fraction of the cost of other broadband providers."
"We understand that while many people have welcomed investment in the roll-out of digital infrastructure, some people are unhappy with the installation of new poles. Where necessary we are happy to speak to residents who may feel a structure is causing an obstruction."
"We believe the only way to level-up the region and move towards a digitally inclusive environment is to invest in a new innovative network which will give people the same opportunities as those across the country otherwise we are at risk of being left behind."
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"New infrastructure enables us to provide communities across the North West with more choice, better service and cheaper broadband."
An Ofcom spokesperson said: "We're aware of this issue being raised in relation to masts in several local authorities in the North West. There are planning processes that should be followed, and we understand local authorities are considering their response to this."
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