Following several complaints from residents, about telegraph poles being installed around the constituency, Andrew Western met up with the company behind the installations – Freedom Fibre to discuss constituents’ worries.

Freedom Fibre is a north-west-based company, that has partnered with internet service providers. The Freedom Fibre team is currently trying to optimise the UK’s fibre network, so that super-fast broadband can be rolled out across Stretford and Urmston.

During the meeting, Freedom Fibre showed Andrew some of their sites and explained that 90% of their work uses existing infrastructure, and does not require intrusive works.

Assurances were also given that moving forward, affected homes would receive letters setting out what was planned. This will give residents the opportunity to make their views known.

Andrew Western said: “I have had a number of complaints from constituents about telegraph poles being installed outside their homes without proper communication or discussion. National planning policy is such that planning permission isn’t required for such installations, as they are considered key national infrastructure. That said, it’s important the voice of local residents is heard.

“The way such things are handled really matters to constituents so I was pleased to agree a way forward.”

If you’d like to speak to Andrew about an issue you’re currently facing, then please contact his office.