Wildanet sorry over blocked drives in Probus

A broadband provider accused of "digging up pavements" and blocking drives without first informing residents has apologised.

People in the Cornish village of Probus said their driveways on Carne View Road were blocked without notice.

Engineers installing the "gigabit-enabled fibre network" had also barred the school entrance, residents said.

Wildanet "apologised wholeheartedly" for the lapse in communication and said it had halted works for now.

Bus driver Andrew Willson said his driveway was among five on Carne View Road to be blocked by barriers on Saturday.

He added: "They dug a trench outside on Saturday morning with a continuous barrier blocking us on foot and by car.

"I didn't think they would do anything like that without letting me know. There were no flyers, no signs, nothing."

Mr Willson added: "I tried to take the dog for a walk and there were barriers.

"The workmen laughed at me, when I got back they told me I'd have to wait to get back into my house so I moved the barriers."

He said he could not move his car for more than six hours until ramps were installed, adding: "We were really annoyed.

"They said they hadn't told some people but no-one knew it was happening."

Life-long villager Peter Keam, 49, said the firm had caused "ructions" in the village.

He said a Wildanet vehicle blocked the entrance to Probus Primary School on Monday at 15:15 BST.

"It was on the yellow 'keep clear' markings and it just looked like an accident waiting to happen at school pick-up time," he added.

Wildanet said its works would "transform internet connectivity" for rural and hard-to-reach communities in Cornwall through the rollout of "latest generation gigabit-enabled fibre", enabling superfast broadband.

Justin Clark, the firm's chief operating officer and deputy CEO, added: "We pride ourselves on keeping residents fully informed when we're installing broadband and unfortunately this didn't happen in the case of some properties in this street and we apologise wholeheartedly for any inconvenience caused.

"Work onsite is being halted while we get a full report from the contractor responsible and speak to residents. As part of this, we have organised a public drop-in session next week to meet residents."

It will take place at Probus Village Hall on 24 October between 14:00 and 19:00.

On the complaint Wildanet staff parked outside the school, the firm added: "We have clear expectations of all our contractors to be considerate and to comply fully with all highways regulations and works licences.

"We're grateful for this incident being brought to our attention and are investigating."

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