Oldham residents frustrated as IX Wireless masts are erected

IX Wireless has sent letters to many residents in the borough, stating that masts will be erected in areas like Royton, Shaw and Chadderton in the coming weeks.

However, many residents have complained about the masts for a variety of reasons.

Dawn Ashcroft, who lives on Springfield Lane in Royton, said the ordeal has been an "absolute nightmare".

She said residents received a letter from IX Wireless giving two weeks' notice that the masts would be installed and that there was no consultation whatsoever.

She said a mast will sit "right in line" with a window in her house and that properties in the area will be devalued due to the presence of the poles.

A letter from IX Wireless to residents (Image: Dawn Ashcroft)

Some other streets where residents are said to have received letters confirming the installation of the masts include Bransdale Avenue, Rochdale Road, Radcliffe Street, Sandy Lane, Connington Close and Denbydale Way, all in Royton, as well as Chadderton Park Road in Chadderton.

Elaine Howard, who lives on Denbydale Way, said herself and her husband, Garry, are "very concerned" about IX Wireless masts being installed in on their street.

Elaine Howard, standing approximately where the mast is set to be installed (Image: Elaine Howard)

She said: "The pole will bring no additional benefit to the area and will have a detrimental impact on our properties."

The couple have written to Secretary for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove, saying it is necessary for developments such as these to demonstrate "significant and substantial benefit to the local community" before they can go ahead.

John Perris, another resident of Denbydale Way, said he and his wife are "extremely concerned" about the potential noise coming from the masts as well as properties being devalued.

Denbydale Way, Royton (Image: Jack Fifield, Newsquest)

When contacted by The Oldham Times, a spokesperson for IX Wireless said: "Before erecting a new pole, we notify residents as part of our process.

"The company is keen to improve our communications where we can, and in many towns and cities we have weekly meetings with council executives and elected officials to help resolve any communication issues.

"We welcome any input which can help to improve our service.

"The roll out enables us to provide cheaper broadband to communities across Oldham."

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 council chose not to provide a comment for this story.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities were approached for comment but did not reply.