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Telecoms firm to 'work with residents' after mast plans protest

IX Wireless notice on Rollesby Close in Brandlesholme <i>(Image: Newsquest)</i>
IX Wireless notice on Rollesby Close in Brandlesholme (Image: Newsquest)

A telecoms company says it it keen to work with residents, communities and the council after a protest over a mast being built.

Residents of Rollesby Close in Brandlesholme protested against the installation by IX Wireless of an “unwanted” mast outside their homes on Monday, saying that they “don't want and don’t need” it.

The protest, which took place on a small grassy area of the close, prevented IX Wireless workers from carrying out the installation of masts.

Read more: 'It is a win for today': Delight for Bury protesters after blocking telecoms workers 

Following the "sit-out", a spokesperson from the company said that they were aware of the "protest" and that they will do all they can to work with communities.

The spokesperson said: “We are rolling out gigabit-capable broadband services to provide communities across the North West with more choice and cheaper broadband.

“As such, we acknowledge that there will be some minor disruption from installing new infrastructure and we aim to keep the disruption to a minimum.

“The company is keen to work with local residents and representatives to hear their views and welcome any input which can help to improve our service.

“The placement of the poles is compliant with all structural and industry regulations and we will do all we can to work with communities and the local council to address any concerns.”

IX Wireless launched in 2017 with the aim of bringing "21st Century digital infrastructure to towns and cities across the North West and beyond".

The company's roll outs are said to cost 90 per cent less than traditional "dig and cover" operations and the network has expanded through towns in the region to offer broadband to thousands of residential and commercial premises.

Future plans for the company are said to include major network expansions into several northern towns and urban areas, passing an additional 400,000 homes and business premises.

The target is 4m properties by the end of 2025.

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