Council Leader demands urgent meeting with BT director

Council Leader Richard Farnell

Council Leader Richard Farnell is demanding an urgent meeting with the Regional Director of BT to demand an end to the “chaos” faced by scores of Rochdale businesses who have been left without communication connections since Boxing Day.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/1/business-news/100445/bt-customers-express-anger-as-phone-lines-remain-down

Councillor Farnell said: “Hundreds of Rochdale businesses and homes were left without phone lines and internet links following the floods on Boxing Day.

“It’s now almost four weeks since the lines went down, and scores of businesses and residents are still without this essential service.

“This is completely unacceptable. Many businesses are struggling to survive. I fear some may go to the wall unless BT gets its act together very quickly. They cannot access the internet or take electronic cash payments. I know of a garage unable to carry out MOTs because the link with the DVLC in Swansea is down. Computer and phone connections are vital for businesses today. They are being let down badly by BT.

“It is completely chaotic. I need to know exactly how many businesses and homes are still waiting to be reconnected and how soon the problems will be resolved. It’s appalling BT can leave people high and dry for a month.

“BT need to speed up their act. This should have been sorted out in a matter of days, not weeks. That’s the problem with privatised utilities. They’re accountable to no-one.

“I am demanding an urgent meeting with the Regional Director of BT Mike Blackburn. He needs to personally intervene to sort out this mess.”