A NINE-metre telecommunications mast dumped in front of seaside views will stay, angry residents have been told.

Infrastructure company Openreach and their contractors said the pole and above-ground cabling in Rhu would remain despite being branded an "unsightly installation" and a "disgrace".

Jim Page told the Advertiser his and a neighbour are on Cumberland Avenue but face Rhu Road Lower and the seafront.

Last month they returned from holiday to find the mast installed on Rhu Road Lower in front of their sea view, with cabling running through their garden to connect to the existing telegraph pole.

Openreach said they made an application to erect the pole and got no objections.

Mr Page said: "We have complained to the council. We were referred to a planner based in Lochgilphead who took no responsibility and referred us to Outreach.

"We then contacted Outreach, who started our complaint process but requested we permit the cable installation team on to our property to connect the overhead cables to the telegraph pole at the rear of our garden, which we did.

(Image: Contributed)

"After the installation was complete, Outreach advised this matter has been passed to another department but refused to give me any contact details.

"It seems we have been given the runaround.

"The various engineers that attended the installation all confirmed it was a cost-cutting exercise as it was cheaper to install poles than excavating.

"As our properties are the first two homes visitors to the town from the west see when they arrive in our beautiful town, it’s a disgrace that this blot on our seafront has been approved."

Mr Page wrote to Jackie Baillie MSP and to then-MP Brendan O'Hara about the problem.

He was eventually passed to Openreach's 'pole objections' team, who said the pole and cables will stay.

They told them: "We still paln to proceed with the planned works. I would suggest that if you wish to take this issue further, you would need to seek advice outside of Openreach."

Openreach told the Advertiser they are bringing high-speed internet to the town.

An Openreach spokesperson said: “Our engineers and build partners are working hard to bring ultrafast, ultra-reliable full fibre broadband to Helensburgh, which will not only create huge benefits for local families and businesses but will also give a welcome boost to the local economy.

“Wherever possible, we use existing infrastructure - poles and ducts - while building full fibre.

"We’re aware of the visual impact our equipment can have and the balance between cost effectiveness, aesthetics, network needs and safety can be difficult to achieve.

"As a result, there are times when we simply cannot avoid erecting poles in order to provide fast, reliable broadband efficiently, safely and in a sound engineering manner.

“In this case, we submitted a Regulation 5 notice to Argyll and Bute Council, and received no objections, before erecting the pole."

Ms Baillie said: “I have attempted to assist Mr Page with his difficulties with Openreach.

“It is disappointing that Openreach have paid so little regard to the residents of Helensburgh and continue to proceed regardless.”