Stand-off in Hedon as broadband firm tries to install poles in street

Residents opposed to broadband poles being installed outside their homes have tried to stop telecoms workers from starting work at the site.

Cars were parked on Westlands Drive in Hedon, East Yorkshire, on Monday in such a way as to block lorries from gaining access.

Campaigner Julie Dervey said: "We knew they were coming and arranged ourselves accordingly, arriving before they did."

But Guy Miller, from MS3 Networks, said "at least one pole is in the ground".

Humberside Police confirmed it was in attendance on Westlands Drive.

A force spokeswoman said officers were "engaging with residents in the community following reports of access being obstructed".

No arrests had been reported, she added.

Ms Dervey, from the Hedon Says No campaign group, said following the arrival of the police, broadband poles were now being installed.

However, she added: "We're not going to leave it. We're already talking about sponsored 'cross the road' community events.

"One of our members has recently graduated, so we may have a little get-together to celebrate."

Ms Dervey insisted full access to Westlands Drive was being maintained for emergency vehicles and the wider public.

Mr Miller, MS3's chief executive, said: "We understand some residents are upset by this work, but we would like to remind people it's against the 1984 Telecommunications Act to obstruct telecoms workers when they are carrying out work.

"This is for their safety and that of the public."

Westlands Drive residents had been given "more than 28 days' notice" of the planned works, he said.

"We encourage an open dialogue to help residents understand the work we are doing and why it must be completed safely."

According to campaigners, crews from MS3 Networks had struck a water main in Westland Drive while carrying out their work on Monday.

The BBC has seen water in the street, but has, as yet, been unable to verify if the work being carried out by MS3 Networks was responsible.

Mr Miller said: "We cannot yet confirm if that was us. If it was, we will have it resolved."

A Yorkshire Water spokesperson said: "We are aware of a small leak that has occurred in Westlands Drive, Hedon, due to damage caused by a third party.

"Our technicians are currently on site and repairs are under way."

The government has committed to rolling out fibre broadband coverage across all the UK by 2033.

Changes to the law since April 2022 mean operators can erect poles without having to apply to councils for planning permission.

On Thursday, about 50 people attended a public meeting in Hedon to discuss ways to stop the work being carried out in the town.

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