SHOCKED residents returned from a weekend away to find a huge fibre optic pole just feet from their home. 

Greg Myers and Tammy Waller have been left fearing the price of their home and their ability to sell up in Lancaster Gardens, Southend, after the 20ft mast was installed “without their knowledge”. 

The couple claim they received no prior warning regarding the installation and were given a notice of objection only after the pole had been put in place.

Greg says the pole was put in place on July 21 and he has spent the six weeks since struggling to make an appeal. 

The notice of objection appeared once the pole was upThe notice of objection appeared once the pole was up (Image: Greg Myers)

After being contacted by the Echo yesterday, Openreach revealed the pole would be removed, once a suitable location is found. 

Greg said: “I think that’s fair enough, but they’re going to have to follow through with it.” 

“We had been given the option to challenge it in court, but we’d have to do it legally.

“I’ve also been to the council who have been very helpful”.

He also said that the council have acknowledged that the installation may be an issue to residents but have stipulated that companies like Openreach have the right to implement required infrastructure.

The pole emerged whilst the couple was awayThe pole emerged whilst the couple was away (Image: Greg Myers)

Fibre optic poles are put in place when below-ground digging is not a viable option.
According to Greg, Openreach informed residents that the new pole will deliver far higher internet speeds to the area, something he says “no one has asked for”.

“I don’t really know what to say, I’m still in shock six weeks later. They have told the council that they may move it but there’s no timescale given,” he added. 

After being contacted by the Echo, a spokesman for Openreach said: “Work to bring full fibre broadband to thousands of homes and businesses in Southend is well underway. This new technology will not only create huge benefits for families and businesses but also a welcome boost to the local economy.

“On this occasion, following an objection from a local homeowner, engineers agreed that although the new pole was legally sited on the public highway, the positioning wasn’t ideal. 
“A survey has identified an alternative location a short distance away and the pole will be moved soon.”