Campaign Timeline

Timeline Meetings Media Contact
  • 23 October 2025: Community action group shared an October update covering refreshed flyer drops, new banners, and renewed engagement with MPs, ISPs, Leeds City Council, and the new Minister.
  • 19 March 2025: Richard Burgon MP wrote to Chris Bryant MP sharing Garforth residents' experiences as the government reviews the 2016 Pole Siting Code of Practice.
  • 19 March 2025: Richard Burgon MP wrote to Leeds City Council regarding the covenant issue and met residents campaigning in the street.
  • 12 March 2025: The Parliamentary Motion in support of Garforth residents has now been signed by 20 MPs.
  • 12 March 2025: Richard Burgon MP received expert advice from House of Commons Library specialists on wire heights, complaints processes, and creosote.
  • 12 March 2025: Giggle Fibre acknowledged covenant concerns, expressed willingness to explore a map of planned installations, and indicated openness to meeting 10 representatives at a neutral venue in Garforth.
  • 07 March 2025: City Fibre responded, emphasising their approach of minimising new pole installations by using existing BT infrastructure where possible.
  • 07 March 2025: Richard Burgon MP tabled Parliamentary Motion EDM 915 congratulating Garforth residents. It was supported by 14 MPs.
  • 05 March 2025: Richard Burgon MP wrote to the Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms as part of the review of the 2016 Cabinet Siting and Pole Siting Code of Practice.
  • 05 March 2025: Richard Burgon MP wrote to City Fibre warning that opposition would extend to any company that later buys or uses Giggle Fibre's infrastructure.
  • 05 March 2025: Richard Burgon MP wrote again to Giggle Fibre's Director demanding a moratorium, a map of planned poles, and improved consultation.
  • 04 March 2025: The campaign featured on BBC Radio Leeds, BBC News Online and ISPreview.
  • 04 March 2025: A well-attended public meeting took place at Firthfields Community Centre, with around 200 local residents participating.
  • 28 February 2025: Richard Burgon MP shared Giggle Fibre's written response with residents, who expressed disappointment that the company has not changed its position.
  • 27 February 2025: Giggle Fibre stated they will not be the direct ISP and expect partner ISPs to deliver services to end customers.
  • 26 February 2025: Giggle Fibre's CEO proposed one-to-one consultations and a working group of five representatives, and declined a public consultation meeting.
  • 26 February 2025: Giggle Fibre have started installation of telegraph poles at a number of locations in Garforth.
  • 24 February 2025: MP Richard Burgon met with Giggle Fibre's Director, Chris Durkan, and team member John Hopewell. He reiterated strong opposition, called for an immediate moratorium, and formally requested a public consultation meeting.
  • 21 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.
  • 20 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.
  • 19 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.
  • 18 February 2025: Response received from Giggle Fibre regarding our enquiry.
  • 17 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.
  • 15 February 2025: Cllr Mark Dobson has formally requested a public meeting with Giggle Fibre and our MP to address community concerns.
  • 14 February 2025: Giggle Fibre agreed to meet with the local MP to discuss community concerns.
  • 14 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.
  • 10 February 2025: MP Richard Burgon formally wrote to Giggle Fibre's Director requesting a meeting and expressing constituent concerns.