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MAST BE JOKIN
We’re furious after an eyesore 5G mast was erected outside our home… it looks like a giant sex toy
RESIDENTS have told of their fury after a 5G mast resembling a giant sex toy was erected outside their homes.
Locals in Wolverhampton, West Mids., claim they were given no warning about the enormous eyesore, nicknamed the "metal dildo" .
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They fear the "monstrosity," installed on Patshull Avenue two months ago, could slash thousands off the price of their properties.
And despite giving it a tongue in cheek moniker, no-one on the street is laughing.
Shane Vickers, 27, said: “We call it the metal dildo - the sex toy at the end of the street.
“It sounds funny but it really isn’t. It’s an eyesore.
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“No-one had any idea about it until the workmen turned up two months ago."
The dad-of-one said residents were not given any prior warning of the huge grey mast and he couldn't understand why owners did not "put it in a secluded area or tried to blend it in".
He added: "It’s rubbish driving home and having to look at it."
On the back of the grey cabinets housing the mast’s mechanics, a small notice tells how locals have 12 months to object.
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But retired fabricator Ronald Bradley, 82, had no idea it was coming.
He said: “I thought they were putting in better street lighting in front of the bus stop at first.
“Then this monstrosity appears. Nobody knew anything about it.
"There were no letters, nothing."
He added: “If they had put it in the middle of the woods, or behind the trees, then maybe people wouldn’t be so angry.
“But they’ve plonked it in front of all the houses.”
Another homeowner, who asked not to be named, told how they would have reconsidered buying their home had they mast already been in situ.
'IT'S REDUCED THE VALUE'
They said: “When we moved in it was a slam-dunk because we had the view of the park.
“Had the mast been there we would have thought twice.”
It comes after Brian Swanson claimed the mast had knocked £10,000 off the value of his flat in Brinsford Road.
The 51-year-old said it has "definitely reduced the value" of his property adding he "wouldn't buy a home with a huge mast straight in front of the window".
Brian said: "I want to get a valuation but I would say it's knocked off about £10,000."
Valuing a property overlooked by the 30ft pillar, a surveyor said it wouldn't necessarily affect the price of a property but it could impact its marketability.
It is something that will always be noted on our paperwork because an electromagnetic field is potentially a health risk. People might not want to purchase a home that is close to a mast.
Property Surveyor
The expert told Sun Online: “It is something that will always be noted on our paperwork because an electromagnetic field is potentially a health risk.
“It doesn’t necessarily mean the value will go down but what it might do is affect a property’s marketability.
"People might not want to purchase a home that is close to a mast.”
Wolverhampton Council said network Three are responsible for the Patshull Avenue mast and that planning rules had been followed.
A spokesman said: "The council has limited control over the installation of telecommunications masts and can only comment on some aspects of the proposed siting and appearance of the masts.
"We placed site notices at the location on 3 August 2021 inviting comments about the planned mast and also included the proposal on our website.
"No objections or comments were received in this case."
A Three spokesman added: "5G rollout is vital for residents and businesses of Wolverhampton.
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"We want to offer the community a reliable network experience and this site is critical to making that happen.
"Masts need to be situated where people will be using the service and, in precise locations to ensure the widest breadth of coverage."
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