Pensioners slam Openreach for erecting 30ft broadband mast outside their bungalows

Furious pensioners have slammed Openreach for erecting a 30ft broadband mast outside their bungalows.

Angry locals are demanding the pole is removed, saying it has ruined their neighbourhood's appearance.

Openreach installed the mast on Elms Road, Hereford, when upgrading internet speeds on 27 January.

Retired civil servant Brenda Cummings, 76, who moved to the street with her husband Vivian, 92, a decade ago, said: “It’s a monstrosity, everyone who see’s it thinks so.

“There are only 11 bungalows in the close here. We are all over 70, and only one of us has a computer.

“Yet we have this absolute Jack and the Beanstalk pole. It’s right in front of a couple’s window. It’s in their line of sight, it’s very mean.”

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Pensioner Jane Cadbury, 66, who moved to the cul-de-sac six months ago, is the only resident who owns a computer she uses to keep in touch with her family.

The divorced mum-of-two added: “I’m probably the youngest one here and I can’t live without my computer and emails.

“The pole is very ugly and I have no idea why they put it up there."

Herefordshire Councillors have raised concerns about broadband masts popping up around the county.

Cllr Louis Stark, Lib-Dem for Ross-on-Wye, said: “Full fibre operators do not need to seek planning permission to set up telegraph poles, which Ross-on-Wye residents are very concerned about.”

Cllr John Stone, Conservative for Leominster, added: “Last July, lots of telegraph poles appeared in Leominster almost overnight – it was like Day of the Triffids. There was no consultation and we faced uproar from residents.”

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Council leader David Hitchiner said the authority was powerless to stop the poles being erected near people's homes.

He said: “The Government is allowing hideous telegraph poles to be put up – a point I have made to the minister, who said it is more important to get the full fibre there.”

Residents have complained to Openreach saying it should have been installed nearer to the tree line.

A spokesperson for Openreach said: “Our engineers are currently working hard to bring ultrafast and ultra-reliable Full Fibre broadband to Hereford which will not only bring huge benefits to families and businesses in the area but also a welcome boost to local economy.

“Wherever possible, we use existing infrastructure (poles and ducts) while building Full Fibre. In the case of this cul-de-sac, the existing infrastructure was not fit-for-purpose so we have installed new poles.

"Our team letter-dropped the area in advance of work being carried out, a pre-site notice was placed on the nearest structure (a street light post) and we also gave a 28-day notice in order for any objections to be received – none were.