Residents in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, have expressed fury after a 100ft 5G mast was erected at the bottom of their gardens, causing a constant buzzing noise and fears for their safety. The mast, installed by Mobile Broadband Network Ltd (MBNL) in May, sits just 6ft from garden borders and is secured with concrete blocks and chains.
Steve Taylor, a 58-year-old marketing executive, has abandoned his home due to concerns the mast could collapse in strong winds. 'It's 2ft from my boundary fence. The tower is about 6ft from my boundary. I'm not stopping there at night... it rocks in the night, you can see it moving,' he said. Taylor added that a generator produces a constant humming sound and fumes.
Jackie Hardwick, 68, who has lived on the street for 28 years, said the humming noise is 'driving you insane'. She noted that residents received a letter on a Friday and work began the following Monday. The mast replaced a smaller device on a nearby roof, with Community Housing granting MBNL a lease until September 1, 2026.
Reform councillor Mark Crosby, assisting residents, said: 'You have to see it to believe it. A couple of residents were on holiday and came back to it literally at the end of their gardens.' Two houses are for sale, with one viewing abandoned upon seeing the tower.
A Community Housing spokesperson said they understand concerns and are working with MBNL to remove the temporary mast as soon as possible. An MBNL spokesperson stated the mast maintains essential mobile coverage for residents, businesses, and emergency services following the removal of a previous site ahead of demolition.
