Cllr Mark Dobson's Correspondence

Cllr Mark Dobson has been actively involved in discussions regarding Giggle Fibre's pole installations and has:

• Shared an email from Spring Fibre (July 2024) confirming that new poles were only to be installed where underground installation was impossible.
• Encouraged residents who received Giggle Fibre's email to respond, pointing out the previous agreement on minimal pole installations.
• Expressed concerns that this meeting may have influenced the significant increase in planned pole installations, which contradicts prior agreements with Spring Fibre.
• Sent a formal letter to the Leader of Leeds City Council, Cllr James Lewis, requesting details of a previously undisclosed meeting held in January between the council leader and Giggle Fibre's CEO, questioning its relevance given the council's lack of statutory authority in the matter.
• Highlighted that negotiations last year reduced the proposed 500 poles down to just two, while Giggle Fibre now plans to install 200 poles.
• Challenged Giggle Fibre's claim that underground installation was never agreed upon, citing previous discussions with Spring Fibre.
• Engaged with Leeds City Council's Senior Network Management Engineer, who has requested SCD to cease poling until the matter is resolved, though enforcement remains a challenge.

Richard Burgon MP's Correspondence

Richard Burgon MP has been actively engaging with Giggle Fibre and other relevant stakeholders regarding the telegraph pole installations in East Garforth:

• Burgon has formally requested that Giggle Fibre respond to these concerns in detail and has once again urged the company to pause all works until a proper consultation process has taken place.
• On 7 March, he received a response from City Fibre, who explained their general approach of minimising new pole installations by utilising existing BT infrastructure where possible, though they declined to comment on potential acquisition of Giggle Fibre's infrastructure.
• On 7 March, Burgon tabled Parliamentary Motion EDM 915, supported by 14 MPs, congratulating Garforth residents for their campaign and urging Giggle Fibre to halt installations. The motion emphasised that while companies may have legal rights to install poles, local considerations should take precedence.
• On 5 March, he wrote to the Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms, raising residents' concerns as part of the government's review of telecom infrastructure regulations.
• On 5 March, he wrote to City Fibre, warning that residents would extend their boycott to any company that purchases or uses Giggle Fibre's infrastructure.
• On 5 March, Burgon wrote again to Giggle Fibre's Director, demanding answers on: Whether any covenants prevent overground infrastructure in East Garforth. The release of a full map detailing all planned pole and wire locations. Improvements to Giggle Fibre's consultation process, as requested at the public meeting.
• On 28 February, Burgon shared Giggle Fibre's written response with residents, who expressed disappointment at the lack of change in Giggle Fibre's position and continued pole installation. He reiterated his call for an immediate moratorium on works and renewed his demand for a public consultation meeting. Raised additional concerns brought forward by residents, including: Concerns that Giggle Fibre may not be complying with all necessary legislation and guidelines, particularly regarding notice periods before installation work. Claims that Giggle Fibre is using outdated surveys to justify telegraph pole installations, despite evidence of successful underground fibre installations by other companies, such as Openreach and Virgin Media. Requests for Giggle Fibre to confirm what surveys are being used to determine their infrastructure decisions, who conducted them, and when they were undertaken. Residents have requested that Giggle Fibre provide transparency on the data used to justify its decision to install poles rather than using existing underground infrastructure.
• Met with Giggle Fibre's Director, Chris Durkan, on 24 February to discuss residents' concerns. He reiterated strong opposition, called for a moratorium, and formally requested a public consultation meeting. Made clear that only underground installation would be acceptable to local residents, referencing past discussions with Spring Fibre. Warned that proceeding despite public opposition would result in a community boycott of Giggle Fibre's services. Pressed Giggle Fibre to hold a public consultation meeting, which they have yet to commit to, but they indicated they would respond in writing soon.
• Escalated concerns on 14 February after reports of unexpected installations, demanding an immediate halt to works until discussions take place.
• Formally wrote to Giggle Fibre's Director on 10 February, urging consideration of strong local opposition and requesting a meeting.

Timeline

• 7th March 2025: City Fibre has responded to Richard Burgon MP's letter regarding potential infrastructure acquisition. While not commenting on specific plans, City Fibre emphasised their approach to minimise new pole installations by utilising existing BT infrastructure where possible, noting this is both better for residents and more cost-effective.
• 7th March 2025: Richard Burgon MP has tabled a Parliamentary Motion (EDM 915) congratulating Garforth residents for their campaign against telegraph pole installations. The motion, supported by 14 MPs, commends the community's efforts and urges Giggle Fibre to stop installations. The motion also notes that while current law allows companies to install poles without planning permission, local considerations should take precedence.
• 5th March 2025: Recognising that Giggle Fibre is operating under longstanding legislation and regulations, Richard Burgon MP has written to the new Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms. He shared Garforth residents' experiences as part of the government's review of the 2016 Cabinet Siting and Pole Siting Code of Practice, seeking changes to ensure greater accountability and transparency in telecom infrastructure rollouts.
• 5th March 2025: Richard Burgon MP has written to City Fibre after residents suggested the company might be considering purchasing the telegraph poles Giggle Fibre is installing. He made it clear that the community's strong opposition to the installations would extend to any company that later buys or uses Giggle Fibre's infrastructure, warning of a potential boycott.
• 5th March 2025: Richard Burgon MP has written again to Giggle Fibre's Director, reiterating the strong opposition to telegraph pole installations and demanding an immediate moratorium on further works. His letter raised new concerns, including: (i) whether any covenants exist that prevent overground infrastructure in East Garforth, (ii) a request for Giggle Fibre to provide residents with a full map of the estate, detailing all planned pole positions and wire locations, and (iii) the need for improved consultation proposals, as demanded by residents at the recent public meeting.
• 4th March 2025: The campaign gained significant media traction, featuring on BBC Radio Leeds' local news segment and a live interview. It was also covered on BBC News Online and ISPreview, an industry news site. Coverage highlighted residents' objections, concerns about outdated surveys justifying installations, and calls for greater transparency. MP Richard Burgon and community representatives reiterated demands for a public consultation and a halt to further pole installations.
• 4th March 2025: A well-attended public meeting took place at Firthfields Community Centre, with around 200 local residents participating. Speakers included representatives from the community action group, Councillor Mark Dobson, and statements from MP Richard Burgon. Discussions covered the risks of accidental connections, legal concerns over installation notices, and steps residents can take to oppose telegraph pole installations. Attendees were encouraged to submit questions, which were grouped and addressed collectively.
• 28th February 2025: Richard Burgon MP has shared Giggle Fibre's written response with residents, who expressed disappointment that the company has not changed its position and continues installing telegraph poles at pace. He has reiterated his call for an immediate moratorium on works and renewed his request for a public consultation meeting. Burgon has also raised further concerns brought to him by residents, including compliance with legislation, the use of outdated surveys to justify pole installations, and a lack of transparency around decision-making data.
• 27th February 2025: In an email received from Giggle Fibre today, they have stated that Giggle Fibre will not be the direct internet service provider (ISP), they are simply providing the infrastructure. They expect to have partner ISPs who will be delivering services to end customers.
• 26th February 2025: An email was received from Giggle Fibre's CEO, Chris Durkan, outlining their approach to community engagement. They proposed one-to-one consultations, meetings with five community representatives at their Micklefield HQ, and bi-weekly progress updates. They declined a public consultation meeting but requested assistance in selecting five representatives for discussions.
• 26th February 2025: Giggle Fibre have started installation of telegraph poles at a number of locations in Garforth.
• 24th February 2025: MP Richard Burgon met with Giggle Fibre's Director, Chris Durkan, and team member John Hopewell at his constituency office. He reiterated strong opposition to telegraph pole installations, called for an immediate moratorium, and formally requested a public consultation meeting. Giggle Fibre stated they would consider the points raised and respond in writing soon.
• 21st February 2025: MP Richard Burgon provided an update on discussions with Giggle Fibre and confirmed he would be meeting with their Director on Monday 24th February to discuss concerns.
• 20th February 2025: Cllr Mark Dobson received a response from Leeds City Council's Senior Network Management Engineer confirming they've asked SCD to pause installation.
• 19th February 2025: Cllr Mark Dobson has responded to Giggle Fibre, providing additional context and evidence that Spring Fibre had agreed to reduce the impact of their rollout from 500 poles down to just 2. Giggle Fibre are now planning to install 200 poles. He has also written to the Leader of Leeds City Council, Cllr James Lewis, requesting details of a meeting held in January between the council leader and Giggle Fibre's CEO.
• 18th February 2025: Response received from Giggle Fibre regarding our enquiry.
• 17th February 2025: Cllr Mark Dobson has received a response from Giggle Fibre, who are not prepared to hold a public meeting and are continuing to progress with pole installation.
• 15th February 2025: Cllr Mark Dobson has formally requested a public meeting with Giggle Fibre and our MP to address community concerns.
• 14th February 2025: Giggle Fibre agreed to meet with the local MP to discuss community concerns.
• 14th February 2025: MP Richard Burgon has requested an immediate halt to works on Braemar Drive and Pomfret Place following the unexpected start of pole installation.
• 10th February 2025: MP Richard Burgon formally wrote to Giggle Fibre's Director requesting a meeting and expressing constituent concerns.