Removal of old overhead telephone lines

[TeaAndBiscuits]

Hi, the previous owners of my house for whatever reason had 3 separate overhead lines to the house for a various telephone points. Since we moved in 8 years ago we haven't had a landline and don't intend to get one. These redundant lines are attached to the bargeboards which need replacing. Ideally I want to get them removed completely.

I don't know whether these lines were BT or Virgin (or one of their precursor companies - Telewest etc) or someone else entirely.

What's the best way to find out who they belong to and get them removed?

 

[opps]

I believe that you need to contact OpenReach.

I do know people that just cut the cables, stick a ladder up the pole and trim it back further so that it no one can trip or tug on it.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

If you spot an OpenReach van in your street, just ask the guy to snip off the cables at the pole and offer him the price of a pint..

 

[bernardgreen]

If there is a risk of the cables becoming detached from the deteriorating barge boards and falling then report it to Openreach

Damage, health and safety

How to tell us if you see any problems with the Openreach network that could be dangerous to the general public, like damaged cables or telephone poles.

www.openreach.com

i

 

[bernardgreen]

I do know people that just cut the cables,

Not recommended.

A recent case of a DIY drop wire removal also severed the active connection to the adjacent property. It was an expensive error.

 

[opps]

Not recommended.

A recent case of a DIY drop wire removal also severed the active connection to the adjacent property. It was an expensive error.

Point taken but it if you can see that your neighbour has their own connection, it might be safe to assume that the connection is not being shared.

If there is a risk of the cables becoming detached from the deteriorating barge boards and falling then report it to Openreach

Damage, health and safety

How to tell us if you see any problems with the Openreach network that could be dangerous to the general public, like damaged cables or telephone poles.

www.openreach.com

i

Good call. Yeah, tell them that you need to replace the fascia/barge/soffit boards. Tell them that the previous owner/whoever had already snipped the cables that enter the property, meaning that once the timber is removed, the cable will fall into the street.