Company says the cabinet is in ‘satisfactory’ location and complies with all necessary regulations

A newly-installed BT broadband box at a Manstone Mead junction has been branded an ‘accident waiting to happen’ by concerned residents.

Councillor Marianne Rixson is calling on the company to relocate its ‘inappropriately sited’ Openreach unit in response to numerous complaints from road users.

She said the box – which is located on the pavement close to a main junction – poses a hazard to pedestrians, cyclists and motorists as its height impairs visibility and presents a danger, particularly for drivers turning right onto Sidford Road.

A BT spokesman has responded, stating the company has no plans to move the cabinet and has consulted with the highways authority, which confirmed it is ‘satisfied’ the current location complies with all necessary regulations.

Cllr Rixson wrote to the Herald (see page 22) highlighting the problem.

She said: “I have asked BT to relocate the cabinet as I have heard many complaints from people about how dangerous it is. The box is in a pretty stupid position and it is obstructing the view.

“The point is that there is sufficient space for them to move it further back so it would not cause an obstruction.

“Something needs to be done and soon about the inappropriate siting the box in the interests of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. The problem is that if you have cyclists coming down the road, you won’t be able to see them.”

One resident wrote to Cllr Rixson and called the unit ‘an accident waiting to happen’ – adding that many others have voiced concern.

A BT spokesman said: “We believe this street cabinet is in a satisfactory location, taking into account the local geography and engineering considerations, and therefore have no plans to move it. The matter has been discussed with the highways authority which has confirmed that it too is satisfied with the current location and that the cabinet complies with all the necessary regulations, including visibility.”