Petition rejects plan for BRSK poles on Kingswinford estate

Dudley South MP Mike Wood has backed residents living on the Charterfields Estate, off Stallings Lane, who have signed a petition objecting to the installation of new telecoms poles.

The proposed installation by broadband provider BRSK would see new telecoms poles with overhead cables in multiple locations across the estate.

Residents, however, argue that the estate was designed in the 1960s with underground telecommunications to avoid the need for overground infrastructure.

Those living on the estate, along with Mike Wood MP and local councillors, have raised concern that the company has chosen not to use existing underground infrastructure, as required by government guidance, instead opting to use overground telegraph poles and cabling that will unnecessarily blight streets.

Mr Wood said: "I can understand why residents are angry, and hopefully BRSK will see sense and amend their plans so the estate's character will not be changed forever.

"The strength of feeling here at Charterfields and at other locations around the area is clear, and so is the Government guidance which states that providers should be sharing existing infrastructure or using underground options wherever possible.

“BRSK therefore need to go back, speak to other providers and change their plans."

Resident Phil Hall, who coordinated the petition, said: “Charterfields was built in the late 1960s early 1970s with a unique feature – that all telecommunications were installed underground. This design has allowed us residents to enjoy an unspoiled street scene free from the usual network of telegraph poles and telephone cables and this is how we want to keep it.

“We are not opposed to new full fibre network technology, just the manner it is being installed.”

Kingswinford North and Wall Heath councillor Ed Lawrence added: “We have been working with residents for sometime across Wall Heath and Kingswinford to fight the installation of telegraph poles on estates that have underground services. We know we need full fibre broadband and welcome its introduction. However, we want it installed in a way that does not clutter our streets with telegraph poles, especially on estates like Charterfield were all current services are underground.”

Hundreds of residents on the estate have signed the petition stating they do not want new telegraph poles installed on their streets and they do not require the services provided by BRSK.

Mr Hall recently submitted the petition, signed by 450 people, to BRSK. He and Mr Wood MP have also raised concerns with the Minister of State for Media and Data, Julia Lopez MP.

BRSK says it is rolling out full fibre broadband across the West Midlands in line with the Government’s mandate to deliver gigabit-broadband services across the UK by 2030.

A spokesperson for the company said: “BRSK is fully committed to delivering this mandate, which can only be achieved by upgrading the current broadband infrastructure to full fibre - the fastest and most reliable type of broadband available.

“We pride ourselves on having open and ongoing communication throughout the build process. Letters were first sent to residents in December 2023 to notify them of our plans to work in the area. Our teams have since been working diligently to speak to residents and work with them to try and find suitable alternative locations for poles as far as possible, and as a result we have made major changes to our original plans.

“We also ensure communication with the relevant local authority takes place before any work starts. BRSK representatives met with Councillor Ed Lawrence to discuss and share our network plans. Communication between the council and BRSK has been positive and remains ongoing. We have also requested to meet with local MP Mike Wood numerous times regarding the roll out.”

“After extensive surveys, it was determined that the existing underground infrastructure in the area is not viable for us to use, which means going above ground is the only remaining option. Poles are planned to be placed in locations which cause the least disruption to residents, and any residents who may be impacted are directly communicated with through our engagement process. There is a misconception that poles are an outdated infrastructure. They are in fact the most effective, efficient and environmentally-friendly way of deploying the most advanced broadband infrastructure we have available to us - full-fibre broadband.

“We’re proud to be making Kingswinford one of the best digitally connected areas in the country ahead of the national deadline, and for creating the opportunity for residents to take up world class broadband now, while many parts of the country are without access to full fibre broadband.”