Stourport residents are fighting back against plans to install “appalling” 11-metre-high poles on their estate.

The Stourport Action Group against the Poles is angry about the decision to put up telegraph poles for fibre broadband on The Grove and adjacent streets on the Hartlebury Park Estate.

The group believes the poles are unattractive and less effective than underground cables but were told the alternative is too expensive.

The Grove resident Glenda Brown said: “In mid-August Fibre Heroes sent a letter saying they’re going to install these cables and we could email about our concerns, but it’s been to no avail.   

“I’m absolutely appalled to think our little estate of four-metre-high bungalows will be overshadowed by 11 metre poles. I don’t want them here.”

The telegraph poles, which do not need planning permission, are being installed by Fibre Heroes.

The company said poles can be “visually invasive”, but they’re important in bringing a 21st century network to the UK.

Ms Brown said the poles aren’t just an eyesore but could harm birds on Hartlebury Common if they fly into cables and might be less effective in bad weather.

She added: “We fully support having the broadband, but we don’t want aerial cabling as it’s not in keeping with the low-level dwellings. There’s no reason why we can’t have subterranean cabling.

“The installation was stopped on streets in Stourbridge so our fight will go on.”

The residents have now started a petition with 150 signatures and received “overwhelming support” on Facebook.

A meeting was held on September 15 which brought all areas of Stourport protesting the decision together alongside Fibre Heroes representative Matt Smith, town councillor Dale Morris and MP Mark Garnier.

The petition was then added to other petitions in the neighbourhood for a total of 644 signatures, which were given to the local MP and the Digital Minister John Whittingdale to try and stop the installation.

Ms Brown said: “With this matter being raised recently in Parliament it’s clear changes need to be urgently made by MPs to ensure communications network operators have to apply for permission to the LPA on any proposed installation of telegraph poles and for the LPA to consult with affected residents before issuing any permissions.”

The residents are now creating an online petition to attract more support.

A spokesperson for Fibre Heroes said: “It’s really important to us that we listen to the communities we build in, and the residents of The Grove have the opportunity to adapt the designs where engineering standards allow.

“It is also important for us that we have meaningful conversations with residents about the benefits full fibre brings.

“We’re aware this upgrade can bring a level of disruption and change; however, we hope residents of The Grove can understand the importance of this vital upgrade and recognise the very positive impact that this new infrastructure will have on their lives now and in the future.”

The company added there was no indication the law around permitted development would be changed.