SUPERFAST broadband is being rolled out across Worcester - but some are angry their view is being spoiled by 'ugly telegraph poles'.
Residents in Bishops Avenue, Worcester, have raised concerns poles, installed by CityFibre, obstruct views of the Malvern Hills, Worcester Cathedral and other landmarks.
Some thought the fibres would be hidden underground rather than suspended on large poles. CityFibre declined to comment on the situation.
Residents have also told their local councillor, Jenny Barnes, of incidents of contractors trespassing on private property, digging up a communal garden and carrying on the work before consulting with them.
"Some were chased off by incensed homeowners," said Cllr Barnes, referring to an incident on January 20.
The towering poles have been installed in Bishop's Avenue and Wilfred Close in the Merriman's Hill area of Worcester, interrupting views of city landmarks including St George's Church in Barbourne and Worcester Baptist Church.
The resident said: "Once the wires are connected to the poles it's going to look like Bangkok.
"There's three or four more down the bottom of the road.
"They're interrupting views of the Malvern Hills. We expected it was going to be underground."
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Meanwhile, Cllr Barnes continues to push for answers.
She wrote: "During my recent visit to your road I was concerned to learn how some residents have been treated by City Fibre.
"I believe it is very important every homeowner is consulted before work is done on their land.
"What was originally promised, as I understand it, was that these fibre connections would be placed underground but now unsightly telegraph poles and wiring have been popping up where they weren't expected, and without proper public consultation.
"I understand that a number of households have had their properties damaged by contractors trespassing and acting without their permission, causing significant upset and alarm."
She ahas also written to the county council's portfolio holder for the CityFibre contract.
A spokesperson from Worcestershire County Council said it is required by law to grant road space to the Fibre Optic companies so work can be carried out.
"As a council, our powers relate to managing the safe movement of traffic concerning these works. The aesthetics and style of infrastructure and behaviour of the company when working on private land have no Traffic Management Service input.
“Telecoms operators, including City Fibre, hold Code Powers, which enable them to deploy their network under the Electronic Communications Code on the public highway.
"The code was brought in by the government to ensure that providers are empowered to build gigabit capable telecoms infrastructure to achieve the government’s aim of 85 per cent premises having access to gigabit capable infrastructure by 2025 and 100 per cent by all by 2030.”
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