A Gateshead man has criticised the installation of a broadband access point on a grass verge outside his home, calling it 'pure vandalism'. Graham Wardle says contractors for Openreach have 'ruined' the area after placing a concrete slab on a verge he has maintained since the Covid pandemic.
Resident's frustration
Graham, who lives on the Hanover Estate in Winlaton, told ChronicleLive: "We cut and trim all the grass ourselves and trim the weeds around the stone wall and we look after it. They've dug a massive hole in lovely grass instead of lifting two paving stones."
The 59-year-old train driver said he cuts grass equivalent to the size of around four houses with a neighbour. He added: "It is frustrating, I spent all that time and effort cutting the council grass to make the street look so nice, and (for them) to do that, I can't believe it. I'm gutted really. The council and my lawnmower have got to go across concrete now."
Openreach response
Graham has tried to contact Openreach to complain, making two phone calls and starting three online chats without reaching the right department. Openreach confirmed residents had been in touch. A spokesperson said: "We understand some residents have concerns about the location of this access point and appreciate that any new piece of street infrastructure can have an impact on the local environment.
"The equipment forms part of an upgrade to ultra-reliable Full Fibre broadband for homes and businesses on Brockwell Close and the surrounding area. Our existing underground network is already located within the grass verge and, after assessing the available options, this was considered the most appropriate location for the access point.
"Installing the equipment within the pavement would require significant additional engineering work, including rerouting part of the existing network and potentially restricting access to the footpath for an extended period. Locating the access point within the verge allowed the upgrade to be completed safely and with the least overall disruption to local residents. The equipment has been installed on council owned land, and, at this time, we have no plans to relocate it."
