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1 year ago
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Telecoms workers are trying to erect 15 'monstrous' telegraph poles in a picturesque Cotswold village - prompting locals to stage protests all week.
Residents of Willersey, Gloucestershire, have already seen four of the 11-metre masts installed on their streets last week - which before had no poles or street lights.
Mark Bridgeman, 59, told MailOnline that police were forced to intervene at one protest after he and around 30 other locals stood in the spot where the new poles were meant to be installed.
Mr Bridgeman has taken part in protests every day last week as three of the fifteen poles are set to be installed on his road.
He told MailOnline: 'I think in a road where you have no street furniture, the installation of an 11-metre pole is quite intrusive, and it is in an area of outstanding natural beauty in The Cotswolds.
'In an area where's there's nothing [...] why do they then have to destroy the environment and put the poles up?'
Have telegraph poles been installed in YOUR area? Email katherine.lawton@mailonline.co.uk
The village is the latest in a string of areas across the UK to see the giant masts being installed, with some homeowners complaining of ruined views and even blocked driveways.
Four of fifteen poles have already been erected in the village of Willersy, sparking fury among locals
Mark Bridgeman, a local of Willersey, said police were forced to intervene at one protest after he and around 30 other locals stood in the spot where the new poles were meant to be installed
Mr Bridgeman said residents of Willersy have been fighting to stop broadband company Full Fibre Ltd installing the poles since June this year.
He claimed their MP - Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown - wrote to Full Fibre demanding they do not carry out the installations in the village.
Mr Bridgeman also claimed the village already has modern technology fibre network underground, and dread the day their village is blighted by the giant masts.
He explained there is also a neighbouring village, Broadway, who have too been protesting to stop the poles being erected in their area.
The local claimed Broadway have been given the option of paying an additional fee to install the lines underground, to avoid the masts being visible overground.
'The residents in Willersey have not been offered this option despite making the request to Full Fibre,' said Mr Bridgeman.
'The logic from Full Fibre is biased and inconsistent.'
Speaking of his beloved village, he added: 'It is in The Cotswolds, we've got two very old pubs in the village, a very old church, a lot of history, a duck pond.'
Mr Bridgeman claimed police were forced to intervene on Wednesday's protest after locals stood in the spot that new poles were set to be installed.
'The contractors asked if we would move out the way because they needed to erect the barriers to protect their work space,' he said.
'I said I would prefer not to move.'
Tuesday's protest saw the locals of Willersey hold signs in a bid to stop the telegraph poles being erected
Residents of Willersey have already seen four of the 11-metre masts installed on their streets - which before had no poles or street lights. Pictured: Collin Close without any telegraph poles
Mr Bridgeman said this prompted the contractors to call the police, but it was concluded that the locals were being 'reasonable' and 'peaceful'.
Full Fibre told MailOnline that at a protest in the neighbouring village, Broadway, a man was arrested after climbing onto one of the protester's vehicles to disrupt the work being done. They added that the person required medical attention during the ordeal.
A spokesperson for Full Fibre told MailOnline: 'We have worked hard to respond to all concerns from the residents of Broadway and Willersey, since initially notifying them in June to explain the works and highlight the importance of this building work going ahead.
'We are a business that is working to upgrade the UK's infrastructure to future-proof the UK's towns and villages. However, we are aware that these changes can bring a level of disruption, and we continually strive to minimise any impact as much as possible. This includes working with communities to reduce their frustrations and understand the importance of the work we are doing.
'Our work is always conducted in a safe and orderly manner, following due process to ensure the safety of our teams and the residents. We are aware that a protester climbed on to one of our vehicles to disrupt our lawful work. After several hours of negotiating with the individual concerned by the local Police force, in an effort to resolve the situation amicably, they were arrested.
'The individual was then later bailed to attend Hospital, where we understand they were treated for exposure. It is unfortunate that this person required medical attention as a result of their actions. We wish them a speedy and full recovery. However, as this is an ongoing situation, it would be inappropriate to make any further comment.'
A Cotswold District Council spokesperson said: 'Cotswold District Council is aware of the concerns about the work taking place in Willersey and has been listening to the issues raised by residents. The Council has sought legal advice around the limited powers we have as a district council and found that the work is legal which means the Council cannot intervene.'
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