How residents stopped 9m poles to preserve view

A GROUP of neighbours in Stockport stopped a broadband firm putting up nine-metre telegraph poles on a road with spectacular views.

- BY DECLAN CAREY

When Brsk shared plans to put three of its poles on Bracken Close and Fernwood in Marple Bridge, people living in the area were left in shock.

The streets have stunning views over Stockport's countryside, with the Peak District visible in the distance.

Many on the streets said these views were a big part of why they moved to the area.

So frustrations grew when they learned that Brsk was planning to install its telegraph poles and bring its services to the area.

People in the close-knit community feared their views would be spoiled by the broadband poles and cable wires spread across the streets.

"We've already got options for wifi, we're not going to use them, so it’s just a waste for them," said Simon Baker, one of the residents on Bracken Close.

"I'm all for new infrastructure, but it feels like they're doing it on the cheap."

The residents decided to take on Brsk, and set about researching the law and exploring what they could do to try to change the plan.

They asked Brsk why they were planning to put telegraph poles up instead of going underground.

With many wifi options already available in the community, they questioned whether there was a need for more.

Some feared the poles, once up, could be there forever. As one person put it: "Once it goes up it won't ever come down."

George Lee, 92, has lived in the area since 1984.

He said: "It’s going to be absolutely terrible. The problem is we don’t know which way the cables are going to go, but even a pole without any cables would be intrusive on the view.