Some residents in Oldham have criticised their fellow neighbours for protesting the installation of internet poles which prompted a large police presence.

IX Wireless, the telecommunications firm, is responsible for the erection of several 5G internet masts across the borough with 29 applications made to the Council.

However, some residents have been ardently opposing the infrastructure, saying the 15m poles are an "eyesore" that blights their neighbourhoods.

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This week, neighbours in Chadderton and Shaw then took matters into their own hands as they tried to put a stop to the works.

On Wednesday (September 11), a man sat in a hole on Foxdenton Lane in Chadderton where workers were expected to install the telecommunications equipment.

Residents then voiced their opinions on the plans as workers arrived at sites to install more infrastructure on Thursday (September 12).

A video circulating on social media shows police were called to Scarr Lane in Shaw where roughly a dozen residents were gathered in protest.

However, some residents in Shaw have criticised the move - and the scale of the police response.

Writing on social media, a woman said: "That is ridiculous - I wish my only worry in life was a metal pole that will give me better internet.

"Some people need to get a royal grip."

After three police cars were called to the scene, another criticised the force, writing: "You ring the police, tell them you're being robbed and they won't even come till the morning."

Another agreed: "It's pathetic, end of! We all want good signal and fancy TVs yet you've got this. Why so many of our police time is being wasted by the residents?"

A third said: "Does it need five cars and one van to speak to residents?"

However, a protester who says he was there wrote: "What IX wireless was and is doing in this area is illegal and all we did was stand there and tell them that. IX called police.

"The police, after initially refusing to speak to any of the residents, clearly saw there was an issue with what IX were doing, no poles were erected and they scarpered off.

"There is legislation which prevents them from doing this.

"At least in the area where they were today.

"We have a right as residents to legally stand our ground."

Another said the area doesn't need "pointless poles" as 4G internet "works fine in Shaw and surrounding areas already, without IX causing eyesores".

Greater Manchester Police confirmed officers were called to both incidents but "no crimes were recorded".

IX Wireless has said in the past that it notifies residents when a pole is set to be installed.

Formal planning permission to erect the poles is not required due to the permitted development rights, which allow the masts to be erected without having to going through the typical planning process as long as they are below a certain height.

Got a story? Email me Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk