Iain Westerman lives in a block of six flats at Woodsley Fold, in Thornton, and has struggled to get a consistent internet connection working from home for more than five years.
A block of flats at Woodsley Fold, Thornton (Image: Google Street View)
Although Mr Westerman owns his flat, the building is managed by Inspired Property Management (IPM) Ltd.
Mr Westerman said: “My order for a fibre installing was cancelled a second time by the BRSK team.
“I called a member of the support team there who responded that they cancelled the order because ‘there are no plans to install fibre in your area’.
Work showing installation of a box and wires at Woodsley Fold (Image: Google Street View)
“I’m pretty frustrated about the situation, having thought it was being resolved. They even brought in an engineer to fit wires and boxes at the building.
“I’ve been trying to get some answers,” he added. “Just a clarification on what has happened.
“They were carrying out work in the flats, and then it stopped all of a sudden.
“It seemed encouraging, but then I received an email saying we’re not going to install the fibre broadband anymore.
A block of flats at Woodsley Fold, Thornton (Image: Google Street View)
“The physical infrastructure to do it is not there.
“I’ve been working from home in this job for five-and-a-half years, and I’m forced to use my phone as a hotspot.”
A spokesperson for IPM Limited said: “We have communicated with a leaseholder at the Grace development previously regarding their request to change their broadband supplier.
“A supplier contractor attended to prepare a quote, which they have confirmed would involve fitting surface-mounted cables throughout the entirety of the block across the communal hallways and stairwells to serve this one apartment.
“The communal areas are shared, and such works require consent from the freeholder.
“Once fitted, the broadband supplier would not provide any ongoing maintenance or repairs, and such costs could not be collected nor paid for.
“This was explained in detail to the lessee and the contractor in detail.
“Therefore IPM, as the managing agent referred this to the freeholder who asked for the leaseholder and broadband supplier to make contact with them directly.
“We duly provided the contact details to the leaseholder and contractor to reach out to the freeholder to discuss consent.”
A spokesperson for BRSK said: “It appears that there is a network rollout issue affecting the address.
“Once this has been resolved, we will reach out with the confirmed installation date.
“Thank you for your patience and understanding.”