Kent Village Stunned by Unusual Green Telegraph Poles
Residents of St Mary Hoo in Kent have been left utterly perplexed by the recent installation of strikingly bright green telegraph poles along Fenn Street. The new masts, which replaced old, worn-out poles this month, have sparked a wave of confusion and amusement among locals, who have likened their vivid hue to various green vegetables, including celery, leeks, and asparagus.
Councillor Inundated with Questions Over 'Celery Stick' Poles
Councillor Nick Craddy, the parish council leader for St Mary Hoo, reported being flooded with inquiries from bewildered residents. 'I started getting messages asking why there were sticks of celery going up by the roadside,' he said. 'I wondered what they meant, and then I saw them. Since then, lots of people have commented on them because they do stand out.' He added that he had only ever known telegraph poles to be brown, making the sudden appearance of such a bright colour quite a surprise.
UK Power Networks Explains the Green Colour
UK Power Networks (UKPN), responsible for the pole replacements in the area, clarified that the green colour results from an alternative wood preservative being used. A spokesperson stated: 'The wooden poles we're installing in Fenn Street, St Mary Hoo, are green as the wood is treated with an alternative to traditional brown wood preservative, which is gradually being phased out.' They noted that these poles will have a similar lifespan to existing ones and that the colour is likely to fade over time with exposure to sunlight.
Local Reactions and Alien Theories
Some locals have joked that the green glow from the poles could be evidence of extraterrestrial life, especially given that an inflatable green alien was recently used to decorate the nearby Fenn Corner roundabout. This roundabout had been the subject of a resident campaign to improve its appearance, after being criticised as a 'slab of concrete' and compared to a flying saucer.
Mixed Feelings Amid Power Cut Concerns
Despite the unusual appearance, the new poles are being welcomed by some residents, as many had suffered from regular power cuts due to the poor condition of the old masts. Councillor Craddy described the previous poles as 'totally askew' and expressed hope that the new installations would lead to improved power reliability in the area.
Broader Context of Telegraph Pole Controversies
The installation of new telegraph poles has faced scrutiny across the UK in recent years, with many residents branding them eyesores that block views and driveways. Concerns have also been raised about potential impacts on house prices, leading to campaigns in various areas to halt further installations. This incident in Kent highlights the ongoing tension between utility upgrades and community aesthetics.
