Villagers driven up the pole win the day (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Cherington thanks BT for prompt action

2:54pm Monday 4th October 2010 in Cotswolds news By Jeff Berliner

SIXTEEN telegraph poles that were a blot on the landscape at a Cotswold beauty spot have vanished.

They have been taken down by British Telecom after Cotswold District Council refused retrospective planning permission.

Villagers at Cherington near Tetbury objected after the poles went up. They were in an area of outstanding natural beauty and BT had not obtained permission.

Members of the planning committee supported the villagers, against the advice of planning officials who said the poles were not that unsightly.

"We would like to thank BT for responding so quickly" said Cllr Kate Gegg, chair of Cherington parish council.

"We are delighted that we have got back the beautiful views of our village that were blighted by these poles."

A BT spokesman said: "We are looking at putting the cables underground and are in discussion with the highways authority".