HOMEOWNERS who are unhappy about a trial to deliver vastly-improved broadband speeds have made their feelings clear to Sky.

As reported in The Gazette, the media giant and its supplier Love Digital have started a 12-month trial in streets either side of Hackwood Road by building its own fibre-optic broadband network.

The trial involves erecting telegraph poles to bring cables directly to people’s homes – a move which Sky believes could see a dramatic improvement in download speeds.

But some residents have complained that the poles are unsightly and fear they will remain when the trial ends.

Borough councillor Ron Hussey, and county councillor Brian Gurden, carried out a survey of 174 homes included in the trial, in roads such as Camberry Close, Camrose Way and Howard Road.

Of the 32 residents who returned the survey, 24 included comments. Some criticised a lack of consultation and information about the trial before it started, while others criticised the “unsightly” poles. Some said they were happy with their current broadband supplier and were not looking for faster broadband speeds.

The councillors have now sent the results of the survey to Sky. They wrote: “The overall complaint is not anti-broadband pilot; it is not anti-Sky – it is very clearly anti-telegraph poles.

“Residents expect consultation to be conducted with sufficient advance notice so that they can leave their reply and have their comments considered prior to work on the ground.”

In an email reply seen by The Gazette, Graham Sargood, from BSkyB, said: “We always welcome any feedback from people about our services and trials.

“We will take these comments on board and ensure the way we communicate with residents is as clear as possible.”

He added there had been a “good response from our customers” about the trial, and that the company will review all comments and results “over the comings months”.