A NORTHWICH councillor is supported a family in their appeal to remove a large Openreach pole which has been erected outside their home.

Jan Pluta, who lives in Verdin Street, Northwich, was shocked when she found the pole had been put up, which she says partially blocks access to her front door and gives off a ‘terrible, toxic odour’.

She says this is giving her children headaches and has appealed to Openreach for it to be removed.

Jan also contacted councillor Sam Naylor, mayor of Northwich, who visited the street for himself.

He said: “I was made aware of this situation a few weeks ago and have been working with a particularly affected family and with Openreach with a view to resolving the issue.

Northwich Guardian:

“The current siting of the pole is simply not acceptable and there will be no further work until a compromise is found.”

Openreach said an engineer had been to inspect the report of fumes coming from the pole, but no smell was identified in the vicinity.

The company has promised to revisit the re-evaluate the pole and a surveyor will be returning to the site as soon as possible.

An Openreach spokesperson added: “New poles can sometimes give off a smell, but it is very short lived. There's nothing visible on the pole that would cause concern.

“This pole is part of our new, full fibre network build in this area which will give the local community access to gigabit-capable broadband.

"This ultra-fast, ultra-reliable technology will bring huge benefits to local families and businesses - and also a welcome boost for the local economy.

Northwich Guardian:

"Wherever we can, we use our existing duct-and-pole network to avoid digging and disruption but in order to include some properties in the upgrade, we sometimes need to put up new poles.

“We always try to select and site our infrastructure sensitively, balancing this with the need to meet local broadband demand.

"Poles need to be in the right place to provide internet, TV and other services to properties, must avoid other underground services like gas and water pipes and drainage, and meet regulations on space left on the pavement for pedestrians, cyclists and prams.”