Bad Signal? Fury over telecom masts on Stroud Green
Stroud Green residents are furious that two 11 metre telecom masts are to go up on one of the only "unspoilt green spaces" in Newbury.
Two small notices from British Telecom, pegged into the grass, warn that West Berkshire Council will be notified of the plan.
But residents surrounding the green are up in arms.
“I’ve lived here for 22 years, and we’ve tried to keep the green as natural as possible," said Tracie Taylor of Greenham Road. "Sticking a massive couple of masts there will be a total eyesore.”
She said she’d much rather have better views than better internet, adding that the area was one of the few unspoilt green spaces left in Newbury.
“I don’t think having two massive poles is going to solve any problems is it?" she added. "On the sign it says you can give your view, but it looks like a done deal doesn’t it?
"We saw the signs as we were dog walking. The print is very small, and the notice isn’t very clear about what they are doing.
“We try to keep it natural here and even had the wild flower verges planted.
“Is there the appropriate place for a mast? It’s going to be an eyesore.
“My internet is fine – it dips in and out every now and then but I’d rather have a nice view than look at a mast.
“You can go online and give a point of view, but it’s debatable if that will make a difference.”
Telecommunications masts can be put up under general permitted development.
The sign, a printed and laminated sheet of A4, includes an email address for people to object to the pole. It is: poleobjections@openreach.co.uk
The notices are positioned in spray painted circles on the grass, indicating, residents believe, where the poles will be placed.
They are next to a line of trees that runs alongside Greenham Road and the notices state that the poles will be wooden.
Last year, 20 trees were planted on Stroud Green.
The Greener Greenham Group also planted 8,500 bulbs at the site, creating a blaze of colour for the spring.
West Berkshire Council provided the funding for the trees, compost, tree stakes and ties.
