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BT box that blocked war memorial removed after anger from Fochriw villagers

News | | Published: 10:00, Friday February 6th, 2015.
Last updated: 10:06, Friday February 6th, 2015

INSENSITIVE: Fochriw’s memorial before the box was removed
INSENSITIVE: Fochriw’s memorial before the box was removed

BT has removed a broadband box placed in front of a war memorial after complaints by angry villagers.

The box was moved just days after it was installed metres from a memorial commemorating the lives of soldiers and miners.

The memorial in Fochriw was erected in October last year after funding was secured by the Darran Valley Historical Society.

Eddy Blanche, Chair of Fochriw and Pentwyn Residents Association was “disgusted” and wrote to the council and MPs.

Caerphilly County Borough Council told Mr Blanche that BT did not need planing permission for the box so it was out of their hands.

Mr Blanche said: “The memorial is for the war dead and also the miners that died at Fochriw Colliery, where I believe about 140 died over 60 to 70 years.

“I know the village is pleased that BT made the decision to move the box so quickly – it’s a victory for us.”

A spokesperson for BT Openreach said: “ We apologise for placing the cabinet at such a sensitive location. Planning work for the cabinet was carried out during the summer months before the war memorial was erected and our survey company was not aware of the plans.

“We have now removed the cabinet and are looking at an alternative site. We would like to re-assure the community that it was not our intention to be disrespectful in any way.”

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