A mother-of-two has been left furious after a 26-foot BT telegraph pole was installed just two metres from her living room window in Matlock, Derbyshire. Tracey Crarer, 51, returned home from work to find workmen had removed her fence panel and erected the structure, which she describes as an 'eyesore' and a 'monstrosity'. The pole now towers above her property, with wires stretching across her back garden, spoiling her view of Riber Castle.
Ms Crarer, who has lived in the house since 1995, says she now wants to sell up because of the pole. However, she fears no one will buy the property due to the unsightly installation. She contacted BT Openreach to complain but was told she would have to pay for the pole to be moved herself, which could cost thousands of pounds. BT Openreach reportedly did not send an engineer to inspect the site, instead relying on a desktop assessment.
The 51-year-old claims she received no prior notification about the pole, despite BT saying notices had been put up. She argues that there are other suitable locations nearby, such as an alley or at the end of long gardens, but the company chose to place it next to her house. The pole does not benefit her home, as it services five other properties for Wi-Fi. Ms Crarer also complains that the creosote smell from the pole prevents her from opening her windows, and bird droppings from wires overhanging her garden soil her laundry and decking.
One neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed sympathy, calling the pole 'a bit of an eyesore'. Ms Crarer has been left feeling trapped, saying: 'My house now feels like a fly trapped in a spider’s web.' She added that her enjoyment of her home has been ruined, and she now prefers to stay indoors or at work rather than face the view.
