MS3 broadband poles causing anxiety, residents say

MS3 Networks workers prepare the ground for a pole installation

Residents of an East Yorkshire estate say the installation of broadband poles is affecting their mental health.

In recent weeks, MS3 Networks has installed poles in parts of East Yorkshire, prompting anger in some communities.

In Hessle, some people living in Tranby Park Meadows have told BBC Look North the issue had left them feeling anxious.

In response, MS3 insisted it was "a responsible network operator".

Robert Swingler says the issue is troubling many on his Hessle estate

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

In East Yorkshire, campaigners have accused MS3 Networks of "littering" streets with the telegraph poles and wants operators to share existing telegraph poles to hang cabling or else use underground infrastructure.

Robert Swingler, who has lived on the Hessle estate for more than 20 years, said: "It's gnawing away at my mind.

"The majority of the residents are very upset about it. They are extremely frustrated. I have spoken with two residents who have been in tears over this. It just seems unfair that we are not being listened to."

Mr Swingler said residents understood that in rural areas new telegraph poles needed to be installed, but pointed out their estate was about 25 years old.

He added: "We have a skyline that is open to clouds and trees but it's just going to be blighted by the telegraph poles."

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Another resident, Geoff Marshall, added: "It's so frustrating and disappointing. It's actually affecting our mental health because this has been going on since August."

Geoff Marshall says the issue around broadband poles is affecting mental health

Mr Marshall said he felt the area was "stepping back into the Fifties or Sixties with poles being put up".

In November, two poles which had recently been put up by MS3 Networks in Hull were cut down by a protestor.

MS3 Networks said: "As a responsible network operator, MS3 welcomes government intervention to encourage networks to share existing infrastructure and to provide further clarity around existing complaint handling guidelines.

"We are meeting the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to help support this initiative."

Previously, MS3 Networks' bosses complained their crews had faced "harassment" while carrying out work.