Councillors have today met with OpenReach bosses amid fears that telegraph poles could make an unwanted return to parts of the town.
Dukes Councillor Mike Prendergast led a meeting at Southport Town Hall with other politicians who pushed the internet provision firm on their latest plans to install fibre optic broadband in the town.
It comes after protests throughout 2023 and 2024 from residents in Churchtown who fought against plans to install unsightly telegraph poles.
The residents were victorious at the time despite OpenReach saying the installation would result in more homes being upgraded quicker and more efficiently than digging up the road and pavement.
Cllr Prendergast said “This morning I attended a meeting at Southport Town Hall with other councillors from across Southport and representatives from Openreach about the roll out of ultra fast broadband across Southport and the local opposition to the installation of telegraph poles.
“We all want to see fast broadband in Southport but nobody wants to see our streets dotted with telegraph poles and a spider web of wires overhead.
“The cabling needs to go in the ground – 21st century technology should not be installed on antiquated and inappropriate infrastructure.
“Openreach are fully aware of this and the strength of feeling in Southport. At the moment, they are surveying Birkdale, and have completed about 60% of this and, so far, it looks like no telegraph poles are needed. Though that might change.
”We’ll continue to support local residents on this issue and engage with Openreach to make sure they improve their communication and listen to what local people want.”