Houghton Regis funfair to go ahead after Openreach removes pole blocking access
Houghton Regis’ carnival funfair has been saved after Openreach engineers removed a telecommunications pole blocking access to the Village Green.
The huge pole had been placed directly in front of a series of dropped bollards that are used for access onto the Green.
And when Ian Haynes, the head of Houghton Regis Town Council’s environmental and community services, spotted then on Wednesday (July 9) he immediately complained the company.
Openreach, claimed the pole was "supplied” by “one of [its] partners” - and explained how the funfair may not be able to go ahead if trucks could not drive onto the Green.
Ian said: “I genuinely don't know whether the lorries that bring the fun fair in can get the turning circle they need. It’s an exceptional level of incompetence. You wouldn't put it in front of somebody's driveway. You put it either to the left or the right.”
Yesterday, after being contacted by the Luton News, an Openreach spokesperson vowed to remove the pole so the funfair can go ahead as planned, and they confirmed it was taken out this morning (Friday).
They said: "We're sorry that the placement of a pole on Houghton Regis village green has affected preparations for this weekend's carnival. If a pole is still required in this area, it will be placed in a more suitable location.
"Wherever possible, we use existing infrastructure (poles and ducts) while building Full Fibre. We’re aware of the visual impact our equipment can have and the balance between cost effectiveness, aesthetics, and safety can be difficult to achieve. As a result, there are times when we simply cannot avoid erecting poles to provide services efficiently, safely and in a sound engineering manner."
The spokesperson explained that its engineers are “working hard to bring ultra-reliable full fibre broadband” to the town.
Houghton Regis Carnival is set to start at 10am on July 12 and is set to include arena displays from dancers to dog shows and a funfair.
The carnival procession led by the Brass Squadron is due to set out from the leisure centre entrance on Parkside Drive at 10.30am, heading towards the Green, where it's due to arrive at around 11.30am.