An MP is raising the siting of telegraph poles outside homes with a minister - saying a broadband provider is riding 'roughshod' over residents.

Dame Caroline Dinenage is set to meet with the Minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure, Julia Lopez, on Monday over concerns about toob placing poles in residential streets.

Complaints were raised in spring last year when residents said they were not consulted over toob's decision to place poles near their homes.

Dame Caroline asked Ofcom to step in previously but the watchdog said it could not investigate as it has no role to play.

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But the MP pressed the issue with Ofcom representatives in a meeting on March 19 demanding they take action.

She is now meeting with Ms Lopez, who wrote an open letter to all fixed-line operators outlining "frustrations" raised by residents.

Dame Caroline said: "Since concerns were first raised with me last year I have been concerned over a lack of dialogue between toob and my constituents.

"It isn’t right that toob can ride roughshod over local communities without their prior consent – especially as toob have a duty to share existing infrastructure wherever possible and practicable.

“I am glad that, following similar incidents across the country, the Minister is taking an interest in this issue and I am looking forward to raising the concerns of my constituents with her and the Government in the hope of reaching a positive outcome.

“In the meantime, I hope that toob can find time to engage with me in a constructive manner so that we can move forward productively on this issue.”

Gosport residents John and Sue Rowlands previously wrote to the Echo raising concerns.
The couple, of Woodside, said: "On January 16contractors working for a company called Toob, installed a telegraph pole in Field Close, Gosport.

"It was installed with out any consultation or prior warning and now the pole towers 9m over our back garden, is only seven metres from our patio and is an absolute eyesore for us and for our neighbours.  

"And that’s before we start having wires strung across the roads.  We strongly object to its position and would have done so prior to installation had we been given the opportunity."

A toob spokesperson said it has support for its plans.

A spokesperson said: "

[Friday 16:38] Ross Marshall

A spokesperson from toob, said, ‘Our engagement with Gosport started in November 2022 and we received overwhelming support for our network build.

"Our work in Gosport has included engaging with local residents and conversations with local councillors and Caroline Dinenage MP, these communications have been ongoing and frequent.

"We carefully plan our network to ensure minimal disruption to residents, and wherever possible we use existing networks and ducts where we are able, mainly BT’s ducts and poles. Where these do not exist or are not useable, we deploy our own infrastructure and engage with local residents before deciding whether to proceed.

 

"In the Field Close area, we received two complaints that have been responded to directly. This road does not currently contain BT ducts and the most viable solution was deemed to be a new telegraph pole.

"So far, we have invested over £10m into Gosport and have a network covering over 20,000 premises with over 2,000 customers since we launched the service in August of last year.

"We are a local company serving local communities, and we do not want to alienate residents, this is why we work hard to communicate openly with councillors, MPs, and affected households, encouraging feedback directly to us."