Hundreds of angry residents and politicians took part at a protest against communications firm IX Wireless which is erecting hundreds of masts across the north west under 'permitted development' rules.
It means the firm is putting up wooden and metal masts in residential roads across Greater Manchester without having to seek planning approval.
The programme of works, which the firm says is to introduce cheap and powerful internet coverage, has infuriated householders who have been powerless to act as they watched the poles being put up outside their homes.
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Many of them gathered for a protest in Bolton town centre on Saturday afternoon.
Among them was Elaine Bracegirdle, 59, who said she had no idea about the pole erected 10ft from her front door in Great Lane, Clifton, until she came home on March 26.
Elaine, who is registered disabled, said: "I went to work and when I came back, there's the pole. My family has been in this house since 1922 and before this we've always had an undisturbed view down the road, and now I've got a flaming pole. I know it's only a wooden pole but it's frightening. It's right outside my bedroom."
The residents who gathered at the protest are concerned not only that the poles spoil the character of an area but they are also worried about the effect on wildlife, their own health and property values.
They also expressed concern that Westminster Accounts show the firm has donated more than £138,000 to 24 Conservative MPs since 2019.
According to Westminster Accounts, our sister title LancsLive reported IX Wireless has donated more than £138,000 to 24 Conservative MPs since 2019, including Bolton West representative Chris Green who received a £5,000 donation from IX Wireless. He has said the firm had not been in touch with him about their plans.
Campaigners have launched a petition to force a debate in Parliament to consider amending 2015 legislation which paved the way for 'permitted development' which allows certain buildings and fixtures to be erected without formal planning approval.
The organiser of the Bolton protest, Martin Hibbert, told the meeting that 'people don't want this unhappiness thrust upon them' and he described the poles as 'monstrosities'.
To applause, he urged a change in the rules to oblige the firm to seek retrospective planning permission for each pole it had erected.
"And if we don't want them, they have to go," he said.
Tory councillor Toby Hewitt, executive member for strategic housing and planning at Bolton Council, told the meeting those gathered were 'all outraged by the lack of engagement' of IX Wireless.
He said 'permitted development' was for people to build smaller house extensions, but he said the firm had 'stretched to the limit what they can do under the legislation'.
"It takes away the right of the public to object and that's wrong," he said.
Labour's Bolton South East MP Yasmin Qureshi blamed the Tories for introducing the 'permitted development' legislation.
However, she said residents already had a 'perfectly good connection' to the internet and that they 'don't want this'.
The leader of Bolton Council's Lib Dems Roger Hayes told the gathering the firm had adopted 'bullying' tactics but he also pointed to cuts which he said had left planning officials struggling to cope.
The Manchester Evening News approached IX Wireless and asked them to respond to claims made by local residents and politicians during the protest.
They said: "The broadband industry is well-regulated, and all of our structures undergo stringent tests and conform to industry and government standards.
“The placement of the poles are within permitted development rules which allow telecom providers throughout the UK to undertake infrastructure work, and local councils are always aware of any work being commenced.
“Furthermore, as a North West-headquartered company we want to ensure the region truly benefits from the Government’s Levelling Up agenda. This includes ensuring all areas across the North see an increase in their standard of living so that each area can reach its full productivity potential.
“To do this, we have backed the Northern Research Group, which aims to ensure that the voices of people across the region are heard by the Government while also boosting employment, productivity and growth.
“Our support of the NRG is on public record. The funds to the NRG will help support MPs to focus Central Government for more spending across the North, boost infrastructure such as improved roads and rail, and support Northern institutions.
“The funds will also support MPs, many who were new to the role, with training and support.
“As a Northern company that is delivering gigabit capable broadband services to the communities across the region, we want to see the interests of those same communities represented at a national level via the NRG.”
In a previous statement, a spokesperson for IX Wireless said: "As with all our infrastructure investment across the region, we continue to actively engage with the local authorities who are aware of the work that is taking place.
"We have been in consultation with Bolton Council and currently engage with them in weekly meetings. The latest investment in digital infrastructure will provide the communities in Bolton with much needed gigabit-capable broadband services at a fraction of the cost of other broadband providers.
"We understand that while many people have welcomed investment in the roll-out of digital infrastructure, some people are unhappy with the installation of new poles. Where necessary we are happy to speak to residents who may feel the pole is causing an obstruction.
"We want to reiterate that the only way to level-up the region and move towards a digitally inclusive environment is to invest in a new innovative network which will give people the same opportunities as those across the country otherwise we are at risk of being left behind.
"New infrastructure enables us to provide communities across the North West with more choice, better service and cheaper broadband.
"We are building for the future today because without this new investment, current providers in the marketplace will continue to raise their prices without putting in the investment needed to provide their customers with broadband that is fit for 2023 and beyond.
"It must also be noted that as part of our remit the company donates 20% of our network to communities and charities for free. These have a direct and positive impact on communities, especially those who are the most vulnerable in society."
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