BT installing fibre optic cables - wanting to dig up my field.

[Christmas Crumpet]

In the summer a man came round to ask who owned my fields (roadside fields) and said that BT wanted to dig a trench in it to put some fibre optic cables. The trench would go up through both fields and then under the road. We've not had any further communication from them (he said they would be in touch with dates and payment) but there is a road sign saying that the road will be closed from next week for a month. I've just checked the local Gov. roadworks site for water etc and nothing comes up so I'm assuming its BT. The fields get very, very wet and are long and thin so they'd make quite a mess making the trench. Its only 2 acres as well so we try and preserve the ground as best possible.

I did say to the man at the time that we would need prior warning as we have animals out in both fields and that if they wanted to dig a trench, they had to do it in the summer as we are in the wettest part of the county so winter is a serious no no. Fields are already a bit spongey so the last thing I want is them digging it up!!

Would I be out of order to padlock the gate? I don't want to go to work and come home and find that they have been in my field with machinery and my horse and pony and sheep are out in the field. It might sound a bit petty but anyone who has very wet fields in winter knows the last thing you want is anyone making a mess!!!

 

[ihatework]

I completely get you!
And yes I would padlock up

 

[hollyandivy123]

have you tried to contact them?

 

[ElleSkywalker]

I would contact BT and find out what's going on as if you have given them permission they may think it's ok to cut padlock to gain acesss

 

[cobgoblin]

Don't just padlock...turn a hinge on the gate.

 

[PeterNatt]

On the assumption that you own the field then both parties should first have to sign a legal agreement that puts everything in writing.
There is abolutely no need to dig up the field as they could mole drill the pipe which would contain the fibre optic cable within it into the ground which would simply involve digging a 5 foot deep hole at each end and then mole drilling the pipe in to the ground followed by pulling the fibre optic cable through it.
I suggest you find whoever is responsible for this at bt and then you should instruct a surveyor to act for your interests and deal with this matter and draw up an agreement. The agreement should ensure that Bt would be responsible for paying for all costs involved and any damage and inconvenience caused.

 

[Christmas Crumpet]

On the assumption that you own the field then both parties should first have to sign a legal agreement that puts everything in writing.
There is abolutely no need to dig up the field as they coulod mole drill the pipe which would contain the fibre optic cable within it into the ground which would simply involve digging a 5 foot deep ditch at each end and then mole drilling the pipe in to the ground folowed by pulling the fibre optic cable through it.
I suggest you find whoever is responsible for this at bt and then for you to instruct a surveyor to deal with this matter and draw up an agreement.

Thank you for that Peter - surely BT should get in touch with us though? The man who came to see us said that they would be in touch nearer the time but we've heard absolutely nothing. I'd rather not have to pay a surveyor to do any work if possible.

 

[Christmas Crumpet]

It is BT - they have just confirmed.

 

[merlo89]

Just a thought, could you not get them to pay the livery cost and move your horses to a nice yard, whilst the work is done and for a while afterwards, to allow the fields to recover?

 

[sychnant]

I have asked BT over and over again to let me know if they wish to access my fields to work on the lines.

They never have.

A few times I have arrived home to workmen in my fields, gates open, working away on ladders. None of it is emergency work as I have asked each time.

I have explained to all of them that if my horses are out - in MY FIELDS - I cannot guarantee the workmen's safety, as I have one very nosey pony, and all 4 would love a good scratch on a ladder. Luckily my horses are usually in during the day and out at night, but they don't know this.

In the end I gave up and wrapped chains and padlocks around both ends of each gate. Came home last week to another man up a ladder, who'd climbed the gate... I tell them off every time, but nothing changes. One day there will be an accident.

Anyway, the point of this ramble was don't believe anything they say, and don't be surprised when they ignore anything YOU say!

 

[Gloi]

Some work had to be done on the fields which we graze which has a pylon in. The electricity people fenced part off while the work was done and paid compensation. Same happened to my friend when work was being done on the railway embankment next to her field. The money was much more than livery cost.

 

[BBP]

From their webpage I'd say they need to have a written agreement with you (a wayleave) to grant them access to work on your land. Without it would be trespass. I do. They have some statutory powers to do works without one, but only as a last resort. I would be concerned about soil disturbance when they come to dig the trench (at any time of year) but I get paranoid about grass sickness with that sort of thing!

 

[paddy555]

On the assumption that you own the field then both parties should first have to sign a legal agreement that puts everything in writing.
There is abolutely no need to dig up the field as they could mole drill the pipe which would contain the fibre optic cable within it into the ground which would simply involve digging a 5 foot deep hole at each end and then mole drilling the pipe in to the ground followed by pulling the fibre optic cable through it.
I suggest you find whoever is responsible for this at bt and then you should instruct a surveyor to act for your interests and deal with this matter and draw up an agreement. The agreement should ensure that Bt would be responsible for paying for all costs involved and any damage and inconvenience caused.

this. I wouldn't worry about a surveyor and I think you will have to approach BT who should obviously have had the manners to approach you again. If you padlock the gate both ends the digger will not be able to climb over it. I would leave a note on the gate for the contractor saying there is no access and to contact BT. leave your mobile no for the contractor. I would then put it in writing to BT I hadn't heard further but now see they are going to dig up the road etc and presume they will be coming onto your land. I would point out the lack of contact and that you have not had a legal agreement to consider. Until this is submitted and signed you will not be allowing access. Tell them once it is resolved and the work, how it is carried out etc has been discussed they will be able to proceed.
Ask for a site visit from them to discuss and then see if they can mole it in etc. Point out the disruption and damage to your wet field, see what they come up with.

 

[phizz4]

From their webpage I'd say they need to have a written agreement with you (a wayleave) to grant them access to work on your land. Without it would be trespass. I do. They have some statutory powers to do works without one, but only as a last resort. I would be concerned about soil disturbance when they come to dig the trench (at any time of year) but I get paranoid about grass sickness with that sort of thing!

Network Rail carried out widening work on the side of our field when they built Trent Valley 4track. Within 3 months two of us lost horses in that field to grass sickness. Coincidence?

 

[Cecile]

I would run it by a land agent, I just found this one for my area it only took me a moment via google
http://tsauction.co.uk/rural-agriculture/

I would also run them off if they came onto my property without an appointment or agreement, I don't mess around with risk of lapsed biosecurity, they are obviously causing you a disturbance, you are probably liable if they let your horses out onto a road (You should of seen the risks if they have been in before and left gates open), how about if they fall off the ladder or are injured, these men usually just have a job sheet you don't deal with them they haven't a clue apart from what is on their work sheet, you go up the food chain until you reach the top

Oh boy I don't mess around with utilities, up the game and make a noise, stamp your feet and let them know you mean business, big keep out signs and electric fencing until they learn some manners and contact you to discuss in the correct way

Water/sewage company created hell by digging a trench in a horses field nearby and what was being discharged in the steam locally was not meant to be there <yuck>

 

[cremedemonthe]

We have 2 electricity poles in our field and woods, we get paid the wayleave-a paltry sum of £27 per year !
When I contacted the electricity company to transfer the payment over to us instead of the previous owners, I asked them about access to our field as we often have nosey bullocks or heifers, sheep in lamb and a ram, cockerels, chickens, ducks and pheasants as well as loose dogs running around. They said they always notify people if they need access, even in an emergency. We have a helicoptor fly so low and close outside my kitchen window inspecting the poles once or twice a year, that you can smile and wave at the pilot and ask him if he wants a cup of tea, they don't seem to need permission to do this low level flying (25 feet off the ground) and we don't mind as it doesn't scare the animals as they are all used to it. No vehicles in the field either to trash the ground or men to get scared/chased or ***** on by various nosey animals either.
OP BT can't (shouldn't and certainly wouldn't be allowed to do it here) just assume they can enter your field and do whatever they want without your permission.

 

[Cahill]

On the assumption that you own the field then both parties should first have to sign a legal agreement that puts everything in writing.
There is abolutely no need to dig up the field as they could mole drill the pipe which would contain the fibre optic cable within it into the ground which would simply involve digging a 5 foot deep hole at each end and then mole drilling the pipe in to the ground followed by pulling the fibre optic cable through it.
I suggest you find whoever is responsible for this at bt and then you should instruct a surveyor to act for your interests and deal with this matter and draw up an agreement. The agreement should ensure that Bt would be responsible for paying for all costs involved and any damage and inconvenience caused.

agree /\ /\ you are granting a right/easement that should be legally drawn up

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

I'd lock gate but perhaps BT reconsidered the idea and might be cable laying on the highway side of the field, not on your land at all? (Hence no further contact?)

 

[AdorableAlice]

Don't just padlock...turn a hinge on the gate.

and put the mains electric fence through it.............yes I am a miserable old bint who cannot stand the way the utility companies conduct their businesses.

 

[Cecile]

and put the mains electric fence through it.............yes I am a miserable old bint who cannot stand the way the utility companies conduct their businesses.

Join the miserable old bint club with me. They are a law unto themselves, just do it and let the owner argue after
One utility vehicle came onto my land and spewed out oil when it was parked in the paddock, they had to dig it out and reseed it.
Disgusting bit - they have no portaloo's so one bright spark thought I wouldn't notice that he had a poo in my woody bit, got no-where when they tried to tell this woman it was probably an animal (That I agree with and he was an animal) trouble is I have never met an animal who uses trade hand wipes to clean their ar$e and none of my animals smoke fags or drink fizzy drinks either so they had a clear up session

You need armed guards and a surveillance team when utilities are about

 

[Fragglerock]

I suspect that legally you have to let them do it but do make sure the gate is locked and notices that animals are in the field (particularly if they are hidden from the gate in some areas)

We had a BT cable through our field when we moved here. It was dug up when we were putting the base down for the stables and nobody would take responsibility. We send them an invoice for £250 for rental to try and get someone to do something. It worked, and they paid our invoice. My husband wanted to frame the cheque but I took a photograph and paid the cheque in This was 27 years ago and I'm not sure it would happen now but see how much you can get out of them.

 

[AandK]

I'd lock gate but perhaps BT reconsidered the idea and might be cable laying on the highway side of the field, not on your land at all? (Hence no further contact?)

This. They cannot just come onto your land and start digging trenches, an agreement would need to be drawn up.

 

[meleeka]

Are your gates not usually padlocked? They ought to be anyway or any escaped horses/livestock can be dumped on your land by be police and there’s nothing you can do about it!

 

[Cecile]

There was a case recently that went to court (I read it twice but didn't save it) gist of it was:
A PRoW went through horses field with a gate, walkers left the gate open, horses got out onto the road and created hell,
judge of case decided that the horse owner was the guilty party as should of seen the risk of having a gate that could be left open with horses

If anyone can find the case its worth reading

 

[eventer and proud]

In the summer a man came round to ask who owned my fields (roadside fields) and said that BT wanted to dig a trench in it to put some fibre optic cables. The trench would go up through both fields and then under the road. We've not had any further communication from them (he said they would be in touch with dates and payment) but there is a road sign saying that the road will be closed from next week for a month. I've just checked the local Gov. roadworks site for water etc and nothing comes up so I'm assuming its BT. The fields get very, very wet and are long and thin so they'd make quite a mess making the trench. Its only 2 acres as well so we try and preserve the ground as best possible.

I did say to the man at the time that we would need prior warning as we have animals out in both fields and that if they wanted to dig a trench, they had to do it in the summer as we are in the wettest part of the county so winter is a serious no no. Fields are already a bit spongey so the last thing I want is them digging it up!!

Would I be out of order to padlock the gate? I don't want to go to work and come home and find that they have been in my field with machinery and my horse and pony and sheep are out in the field. It might sound a bit petty but anyone who has very wet fields in winter knows the last thing you want is anyone making a mess!!!

I know some friends who had this-it wasnt BT though, they were approached in the summer and it was dug up in the winter

 

[only_me]

BT are horrible to work with. I&#8217;d also be wary that it won&#8217;t be actually BT doing the work by rather a contractor - so their priority is to get job done and nothing will stop them. Our internet has been less than existent recently, cause was found to be tree branches on the line. BT said they&#8217;ll cut them down. BT have also said they won&#8217;t cut them down. Not their problem apparently. On some days oy is their problem, other days not. I hate them with a passion but we have no choice in providers.

CB in your case I would padlock and chain, big notice saying Bull in the field (scarier than horses!) and No entry. If you could even put something across the gate like a car to block etc. I&#8217;d do that as well.
You could electrify it also, but they&#8217;d probably claim lol.

 

[Rollin]

As it appears that a number of people have had this problem with BT. The non-communication would really anger me, perhaps some letters to consumer programmes such as You and Yours or Watchdog. Amazing how polite they become when the scale of the problem is publicised. Photos or video would be helpful.

 

[Clodagh]

It is BT - they have just confirmed.

I am most impressed that you managed to find a human being at BT to speak to.

 

[Sukistokes2]

We had an electric cable put though our field. It took two weeks. We were asked to keep our horses in daytime during that time which we did, the foreman was terrified of horses. Anyhow we were paid compensation for the inconvenience of the situation. It was funny because my now studio ( a large porta cabin ) had just been delivered and the workman thought it was for them. We just left it open for them to use and then were respectful of it. I would contact them and make sure you know all your rights. Contact citizens advice, you might be due compensation, which I'm sure BT won't tell you about.

 

[Dubsie]

This. They cannot just come onto your land and start digging trenches, an agreement would need to be drawn up.

Oh yes they can if they deem it an emergency! Despite being home all day and next door being home all day the electricty people decided to replace the transformer on the pole in our field. Rather than knock on the door, they simply cut the chain. instead of cutting the chain at the link next to the paddock they cut it mid-way, meaning it only just reached with a lot of awkward fiddling to get the padlock at the right angle to hook into it to lock it. (16 years later we've finally bought a new chain, so much easier!). I spoke to the workmen and they said they had the right to do this, and told me to see about compensation. I wrote and enquired about compensation to replace the chain (it was mega thick!) but not even a reply.