Kirkcaldy residents hit out at ‘unacceptable’ 8m high telecommunications poles
Residents in a Kirkcaldy street have hit out after an 8metre telecommunications pole was put up in the heart of their development - without, they say, any consultation.
The work in Nicol Street is being carried out by BTOpenreach which secured approval from Fife Council at the start of this month.
David Torrance, MSP for Kirkcaldy, has demand a halt to the work until its full impact on the residents is explored, and he said it was “completely unacceptable” they were given no advance warning.
The first pole was erected last week directly beside residential flats, with further poles planned. Mr Torrance said, once completed, overhead cables are expected to run across residents’ windows, and contractors have reportedly indicated that trees may need to be cut back or removed to accommodate the installation. Groundworks may also follow.
The houses are managed by the local authority’s factoring service, and the MSP has for an explanation why the siting of the poles was deemed appropriate, particularly given that the development already benefits from underground broadband ducts. He questioned whether using poles was a cost cutting measure by the operator.
He has also urged the council to consider issuing a stop notice to prevent further poles being erected until residents’ concerns are addressed and the legal burdens affecting the open plan nature of the development are properly examined.
Mr Torrance said: “Residents are understandably distressed. They are facing the prospect of intrusive poles, potential tree removal, and overhead cabling in an area that is completely unsuitable..
“It is completely unacceptable that residents were given no notice whatsoever. People deserve to know when major infrastructure is being installed just metres from their living room windows. I stand fully with the residents of Nicol Street, and I will continue to press for answers and accountability.”
An Openreach spokesperson said: "We’re building a new full fibre broadband network for Kirkcaldy and Dysart, and almost 15,000 local homes and businesses can now upgrade.
“Wherever possible, we use existing poles and underground ducts in our upgrades. Most of our fibre network is underground and we try to keep new poles to a minimum, but sometimes we need them to make sure people aren't left out. We always follow local planning rules whilst balancing engineering, cost and safety needs.
“Research shows most people would accept a new pole to deliver better broadband in their neighbourhood."