A community council is taking the Scottish Government to task over a decision to install superfast broadband in a remote location in Lochaber.
Back in July BT Openreach deployed contractors to start preparatory work at Glen Gloy in order to connect three second homes as part of the Scottish Government’s R100 Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband rollout.
During the digging of a three-mile-long trench however, a waterpipe to one of the cottages was damaged causing several hundred pounds worth of damage.
In addition, the cottages, none of which have electricity, are still without superfast broadband, while other properties close by, including Glen Gloy House and Glen Gloy Hotel, are still waiting to be connected to the fibre network.
At the beginning of September John Fotheringham, chairman of the Spean Bridge, Roy Bridge and Achnacarry Community Council, wrote to several key people seeking an explanation and compensation for the owner of Balloch Cottage, Mr Jim Muir, but at the time of writing was still awaiting a response.
“My Community Council are somewhat perplexed about the laying of a cable 3.5 miles up a glen to connect three second homes that are not connected to the National Grid,” he said.
“We are deeply concerned that many in our community are still unconnected although they are permanent residents.
“We would also like to know the merits of connecting three holiday homes 5km down an unspoilt glen while ignoring a business which gives local employment alongside a busy trunk road 3km from a village already connected.”
Mr Fotheringham also raised issues pertaining to the householder, Mr Muir, and landowner, Mrs MacMillan, who he said had not been approached by anyone regarding the work.
He added: “The former had his private water supply cut causing hundreds of pounds of damage and the latter wasn’t even consulted.”
Responding to an enquiry from the Lochaber Times this week, an Openreach spokesperson said that fibre build in the Spean Bridge area was ongoing as part of the Reaching 100 per cent programme to provide 175 local homes and businesses with access to fast, reliable broadband.
They told us that work will continue over the next three months, so more local properties will be upgraded.
The spokesperson added: “Unfortunately during the build at Glen Gloy a water pipe was damaged while a moleplough was digging a trench.
“The moleplough was working at a depth of 450mm, while the utility guidelines for water pipe depth are 600-750mm.
“We are considering a claim that has been made for compensation.”
On asking the Scottish Government to respond to question on who authorised the work at Glen Gloy, they directed us to Openreach. A spokesperson said: “We liaise with local councils, roads authorities and landowners as required to gain any relevant permissions where they are needed.
“When work is on publicly maintained highway, it’s covered under a standard notice of works to the council.”
However, a Highland Council spokesperson said: “The council does not issue road opening permits to utility companies to carry out such work as this.
“You will therefore need to contact the utility company for their comments regarding the works.
“The connection of services to and organising wayleaves is the developer’s responsibility, in conjunction with any other affected parties.”
On behalf of the Community Council Mr Fotheringham now intends to raise the matter with Richard Lochhead MSP, Minister for Small Business, Trade and Innovation.
“We just want to know what on earth is going on here,” he added.
“This work must have cost public money, they were up there for two or three weeks. Who authorised that?
“As tax payers we need answers.”
For the latest updates on the R100 rollout at specific address visit visit www.scotlandsuperfast.com