Broadway broadband protest: Elderly protester seriously hurt

Broadway residents from The Sands estate had formed a blockade yesterday (Thursday) and are protesting today (Friday) to stop Full Fibre from erecting 22 broadband poles in the area.

One elderly protester was taken to hospital after an incident involving one of the Full Fibre vans. 

Residents are surrounding where the broadband poles are being installed. (Image: Sophie Wood)Two ambulances and two paramedic officers had attended the scene on Averill Close, where Full Fibre had started putting up the poles.

A West Midlands Ambulance spokesperson said: "We were called at 10.39am on Thursday to an incident on Averill Close, Broadway.

"Two ambulances and two paramedic officers attended the scene.

"Upon arrival, we found an elderly man with potentially serious injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening.

Residents are surrounding where the work is being carried out. (Image: Alison Maspero)"He received treatment from ambulance staff before being conveyed to Alexandra Hospital for further assessment."

In a statement, Full Fibre said they knew that a protester climbed onto one of its vehicles to disrupt their work. 

"It is unfortunate that this person required medical attention as a result of their actions," Full Fibre added.

"We wish them a speedy and full recovery. However, as this is an ongoing situation, it would be inappropriate to make any further comment."

Over ten police cars were on the estate yesterday and today to provide reassurance and ensure that any disruption is kept to a minimum.

Police cars and Full Fibre vans at the blockade yesterday. (Image: Amanda Gray)One resident, Amanda Gray, said: "We are stood here by a lorry with half of West Mercia Police here.

"Full Fibre are drilling just centimetres from residents' heads.

"Someone is going to get hurt soon - there is concrete flying near people's heads.

"We are concerned about the residents."

A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: "Police officers are attending today's protest in Broadway to provide reassurance again and ensure that any disruption is kept to a minimum.

Residents blocking the road. (Image: Amanda Gray)"We have not seen anything that would cause concern to people's safety, and nothing has been reported to us.

"We are again grateful to the local community for their co-operation and understanding while the protest takes place."

Residents said they are not against Full Fibre but would like the work done "properly by using the existing underground infrastructure", which has led to the protests.

A Full Fibre spokesperson added: "Whilst the vast majority of our delivery requires minimal physical work to deliver, sometimes it is necessary to deploy new infrastructure to enable the services.

"This is always conducted in a safe and orderly manner, following due process to ensure the safety of our teams and the residents. "

One man was also arrested yesterday on suspicion of locking on and preventing a worker from doing their work legally.

He is now on bail.