Thank you.
Openreach are no longer installing telegraph poles.
UPDATE! 15/10/2025
Openreach have agreed that they will no install telegraph poles on our streets following feedback from the residents. This is due to the strong support from the petition, as well as the action many of our residents have taken as individuals, including featuring in the Stoke Sentinel.
Openreach have cancelled the installation of full fibre broadband (FTTP) our streets as due to the upfront costs associated with building an underground network. As we have mentioned previously - the long term value of our area to Openreach is high and shortcuts aren't acceptable.
Although it's unfortunate that Openreach were not able to find a cost-effective solution, we believe Openreach will revisit their plan in the future to build an underground network at a later date. Likely to be sometime after their larger projects have finished.
Until this happens residents still have access to Gigabit broadband (1000mbps+) from other providers which is comparable to FTTP, as well as access to superfast broadband and 4G/5G mobile broadband.
Every person & household matters.
At least 107 Homes Affected on Hayden Park
by Openreachs' planned pole installations.
⬆️157 people have signed our petition so far. Keep spreading the work as each person in every household counts.
Updated 15/10/2025.
Openreach should consider our community.
01
No Consultation
Openreach has opted NOT to engage in direct consultation, as doing so would likely require mutual agreement to a planned solution. We want Openreach to provide full consultation if an underground solution cannot be found.
02
Pole Objections
Openreach has NOT responded to objections, and under current regulations. The 28-day waiting period before work begins significantly limits the time available for residents to raise take alternative action.
03
IPSA UK agreement
Openreach are NOT
followed their Government backed commitments they made with ISPA UK agreed only in April 2025!
"4. Providers must seek to raise awareness and enhance communication between themselves and the public."
ISPA Telecommunications Poles Working Group Best Practice Recommendations (LINK)
04
Overhead Networks
Openreach has the ability to use existing underground ducts and extend them where needed to deliver a full fibre network without disruption. Yet instead, their current plan will introduce:
- 11 new telegraph poles
- Over 107 overhead wires, stretching across homes and streets over time
This approach is not only avoidable, it’s unnecessary.
Say No to Poles—Support a Smarter Fibre Rollout
BT/Openreach is currently expanding its fibre optic broadband network (FTTP) across the UK, and our area is next in line. While we all welcome faster, more reliable connectivity, many residents are concerned about the planned installation of telegraph poles.
Poles are widely seen as outdated and visually intrusive. They risk diminishing the aesthetic appeal of our neighbourhood and, in some cases, may even affect property values. There is a better alternative: underground ducting. It delivers the same high-speed service without compromising the character of our community.
We believe residents deserve a say in how this infrastructure is delivered—and together, we can make our voices heard.
📍 Multiple poles are currently planned for the following streets:
- Dorset Drive
- Thatcher Grove
- Hunters Close
- Mason Drive
- Crofter Close
Our area already receives services via underground cabling, and we’re asking Openreach to maintain this standard. Other estates like ours—in Leek and Congleton—have successfully had fibre installed using ducts, with no poles. It’s not only possible, it’s proven.
This petition calls on Openreach to:
- Reconsider the current rollout plan
- Engage in meaningful consultation with residents
- Commit to a fully underground network solution
We’re rallying as many voices as possible to support this cause—but we need yours too.
Please sign the petition below.
Talk to your neighbours, friends, and family—this affects all of us, and every signature counts.
