Billinge residents gather in campaign against BRSK telegraph poles

Members of Billinge Together gathered at Victoria Square last Thursday, August 15, to make a peaceful protest over the issue.

The group said the purpose of the protest was to show "how strongly Billinge residents oppose the proposed installation of telegraph poles by BRSK, where residents absolutely do not want poles", a spokesperson said.

They added they wanted to "urge the council to impose reasonable conditions and place on hold any work permits given to BRSK", citing a recent case of roll-outs being abandoned in neighbouring Wigan.  

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Billinge Together added they also want to "ensure effective consultation with local residents, which is verifiable by evidence" such as "letters to every household, public meetings held in Billinge, and meetings with Billinge Together".

They also called for "a written report" to be provided "that ensures that there is independent and verifiable checks on the suitability of underground methods of delivering full fibre broadband" an asked that the Government "impose a moratorium on the use of telegraph poles for the use of installing full-fibre broadband, until a review has taken place". 

Billinge Together outside St Helens town hall (Image: Submitted)

The spokesperson said protestors wanted to "demonstrate to BRSK that large numbers of Billinge residents will not purchase services that are delivered via telegraph poles and overhead cables".

They added: "We would like to thank borough councillors Peter Peers and Colin Betts and Parish Councillors Frank Gill, Colin Betts and Steve Gardner for their participation in this peaceful, silent protest on behalf of Billinge Residents."

Recently, the Government called on broadband companies to limit the installation of unnecessary telegraph poles, saying it will bring in legislation to prevent them if the industry fails to comply.

Technology minister Sir Chris Bryant said the Government’s support for the rollout of fast broadband across the UK is “unwavering”, but that the industry should be “mindful” of the concerns of communities when installing infrastructure.

Mr Bryant said: “Our dedication to rolling out fast and reliable broadband across the country is unwavering.

“But this must happen in a way that is mindful of local communities, many of whom have expressed dismay when their road is dug up yet again or yet another telegraph pole appears in their street.

“This is why I’m calling on telecoms companies to prioritise the sharing of infrastructure and take into account the views of residents and businesses in rural areas.

“By doing so, we can bring the advantages of high-speed internet to all corners of the nation more rapidly and responsibly, while minimising disruptive ground digging and ending the installation of unnecessary telegraph poles, ensuring communities’ concerns are not overlooked.”

The Government is to hold a round-table meeting with telecom companies in September to discuss issues raised by the public and encourage greater collaboration.

The protest took place outside St Helens town hall (Image: Submitted)

A spokesperson for BRSK, said to the Star in July: “We will always endeavour to use as much existing infrastructure as possible, [as] this benefits our roll out in making it more efficient and faster to connect customers.

“However, sometimes the existing infrastructure is insufficient for us to serve some premises, and on these occasions, we need to upgrade the infrastructure to provide services to all residents.

“Recently, we conducted a thorough survey in Billinge and found that the existing infrastructure is not usable.

“The area is currently served by buried cables and as such, no infrastructure exists that can be used.”