A PETITION calling for better consultation and communications for the installation of telegraph poles has been launched.
Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst, Solihull West and Shirley MP, is calling on telecommunications service provider BRSK to establish a process with residents when planning their telegraph pole installations across the borough.
This comes after residents have voiced concerns over the lack of dialogue, inappropriate installations and blocking driveways by the company.
Dr Shastri-Hurst has joined forces with Shirley West Ward Councillor Prish Sharma, who has raised the issue of telegraph pole installation with Solihull Council during a cabinet meeting in the summer.
Dr Shastri-Hurst said: “A lot of constituents are deeply unsatisfied at the lack of dialogue in the process for installing the poles.
“There is no real disagreement that we need to build upon our existing digital connectivity, and I accept that underground cabling will not always be feasible.
“All sides need to take a pragmatic approach to this issue.
“However, as with all things, commu
nication is key.
“I am calling on BRSK to review their engagement process and to present improvements.
“Residents deserve to have a meaningful say in the location of these poles.
“Thank you in anticipation for signing my petition, I will present it to BRSK when we meet in the near future.”
The poles are covered by the National Permitted Development Rights and do not require any form of application from Solihull Council to be installed.
But the companies are required to notify the council one month of the proposed work being carried out.
A Solihull resident told The Observer when BRSK carried out works outside their home they were unable to leave.
They said: “I was unable to leave my home driveway and blocked in when it was blocked by two men digging a hole outside my house without any consultation whatsoever.
“This was not only confinement but a safety hazard to me as I couldn’t leave my home.
“At no time have I been consulted about these works and my driveway being blocked.
“I have not had any leaflet or letter posted through my door by BRSK informing me of these works or that my driveway would be blocked, and I could not leave my home.”
The resident added those carrying out the works did point out a notification that had been attached to a lamppost on the street regarding the works.
BRSK outlined to The Observer its timeline of communication to residents including letters to residents, on-site meetings with Councillors, a Community Liaison Team deployed in the areas to speak with residents and meeting with residents and council members.
BRSK said: “As we deploy our network, we strive to have open and ongoing communication throughout our build process. We do this through various channels, with both residents and local authorities.
“There has been ongoing communication throughout the proposed project, as well as engagement with as many residents as possible. Having taken earlier feedback into account, the project was paused for a period before work could officially commence.”
For more or to sign the petition click here.
BRSK’s comment in full:
“Brsk’s full fibre network deployment in Birmingham is in line with the Government mandate to make gigabit connectivity accessible across the UK by 2030. This can only be achieved by upgrading current broadband infrastructure to full fibre – the fastest and most reliable type of broadband available.
“Currently, full fibre broadband is only available to around 70%* of homes in the country, with residents having been historically misled into believing that the option they already have is the most advanced – but not all options advertised as fibre are “full fibre”. These upgrades are therefore important to serve current and future generations, future-proofing the services for all.
“As we deploy our network, we strive to have open and ongoing communication throughout our build process. We do this through various channels, with both residents and Local Authorities.
“Solihull Timeline of communication and engagement:
“March 27- April 3 2024: Dedicated pole letters were sent to specific residents who would likely be receiving infrastructure installed close to their premises, this allows residents to have the ability to know how full fibre will be delivered straight to the homes. Following these communications, we received a number of enquiries from residents.
“March 4-10 2023: Pre-construction letters were sent out to all residents in the area highlighting brsk and subcontractors would be working locally and may need to install infrastructure to bring full fibre broadband.
“April 3 2024: Brsk representatives and Andy Wilkins and Kim Stone from Solihull Council met virtually to discuss the need for full fibre in the local area, brsk’s build plans and approach to installing infrastructure.
“April 11 2024: Brsk representatives met with local councillors on-site in Nethercote Gardens to discuss our network, why telegraph pole placements were needed due to lack of viable underground infrastructure and we agreed a plan for communication moving forward with residents in that area and how they can be kept up to date.
“April 13- May 28 2024: Community Liaison Team was deployed in the area to speak to residents face to face about work taking place and to give the opportunity for residents to sign up for updates on the project, which were sent via email and WhatsApp. The team spoke to around 60% of residents in the wider area, and over 40% provided details to be kept updated on the progress in the area.
“May 10 2024: Build work was paused to collaborate effectively with a request from the Local Authority, while we engaged with residents during our rollout in the area and provided further engagement.
“July 12 2024: Brsk offered a network tour to local Councillors as part of the rollout in the area; this was declined with a note that some residents had given feedback. We advised that we would be happy to meet with residents and engage, the relevant Councillor advised they would own the communication and set a meeting to liaise with residents.
“August 15 2024: Brsk had a call with Alex Sibbing, permit officer at Solihull Council, Paul Tovey head of Highways at Solihull Council and brsk’s West Midlands build partner to discuss permits and conditions for telegraph poles.
“August 28 2024: A meeting was held at Solihull Council attended by brsk and residents representing three estates within Solihull; Mapleborough, Hargrave and Nethercote, Councillor Alison Wilson was also in attendance. Telegraph poles and communication were discussed, brsk committed to support residents as far possible and communicate directly.
“As detailed, there has been ongoing communication throughout the proposed project, as well as engagement with as many residents as possible. Having taken earlier feedback into account, the project was paused for a period before work could officially commence.
“Having already built a full fibre broadband network that spans over 688,000 homes across various regions of the UK, with over 150,000 of those in the West Midlands, covering Birmingham and the Black Country.
“We’re proud to be making Birmingham one of the best digitally connected areas in the country ahead of the national deadline and will continue to engage with residents and local authorities as we deploy our network. We welcome any residents with any concerns or questions to get in touch with us.”
