'Victory for common sense' as Connexin 'pauses' installation of new broadband poles

Connexin said they would “temporarily pause” introduction of poles in parts of Hull and East Yorkshire to allow for detailed negotiations with KCOM over sharing its infrastructure.

KCOM has now moved its timescale forward to start a trial of infrastructure sharing in May, Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart said, adding that it would come as a “relief to everyone”.

Installation of thousands of “ugly and unnecessary” poles across the area has led to protests from residents and politicians, with many insisting that where possible cables should go underground.

The Lib Dems said the programme in Beverley and Molescroft was still in its early days, despite many poles already being in position.

Cottingham North councillor Phil Redshaw said: "This is a long-overdue decision in favour of common sense. We have been lobbying KCOM and Connexin to talk to each other about sharing KCOM's underground infrastructure since last July but despite that, and despite many letters to Ofcom asking them to intervene, there has been no breakthrough until now.

"So this is a positive step, although the programme is pretty much complete in Cottingham.

“My residents will no doubt be asking whether the poles can be removed in future in favour of the underground infrastructure and we still have the issue of creosote poles near schools.”

Lib Dem leader Coun Denis Healy described it as “another example of people power forcing common sense to prevail”.

However campaign group Going Underground said they were “horrified” to see work continuing yesterday. Connexin says work will cease by the end of next week but they cannot stop immediately as they have obligations.

KCOM said: “We continue to work positively with Connexin and all other providers who wish to access our infrastructure to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

"We welcome the pause in installation of new telegraph poles which is in the best interests of the local community.”