Drop-in session for disgruntled Virgin Media customers

A drop-in session has been arranged for disgruntled Virgin Media customers following a number of recent issues in Wardle.

Over the past few weeks, local residents have aired concerns regarding a number of issues with the broadband and cable provider, from power cuts to ‘patchwork’ tarmac.

John Taylor said: “The drop-in session has now been rearranged for Wednesday 14 March. Residents are welcome to drop in between 5.30pm to 7.30pm at Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club.

“All the problems reported so far have been reported to Virgin Media but if you have experienced problems with the ongoing works please take the opportunity to make your concerns heard.”

On 5 March, 73 homes were affected during a power cut that Electricity North West restored during the early hours of the following day.

Gareth Davis, who lost 10 tropical fish to the cold due to one power cut, said: “On 18 February, we experienced our first power cut. It was an inconvenience, nothing more. Pretty much every other day since then, we have come home to lights flashing telling us that the power has been out again.

“On the evening of 23 February, I came home and found – without any kind of notice – that Virgin had blocked access to both of my driveways and trapped my wife's car on the drive. At this point I was pretty upset. We had not been sent a letter informing us that they were planning to do this, and didn't have the courtesy to do it well.

“73 homes were left without power on 5 March, while the energy company dug up Virgin’s road works. They managed to fix it for 70 homes, but they then needed to start digging at a separate point to start the fix, suggesting that the power lines in multiple areas had been damaged.”

Sharon Mills added: “I got direct text messages from Electricity North West, who said a third party had gone through a cable. We need a petition to get our pavements redone: they look like a patchwork quilt now.”

Caroline Green asked: “Is anybody else fed up of Virgin Media; what a state they have made of our village. The paths are a mess.” 

Margaret Greenwood-Walker agreed: “I couldn’t agree more. They’ve made a dreadful mess on our road -pavement looks like cowboy builders have been on it. Left everywhere filthy and caused lots of access problems as we are a cul de sac. Someone came round a couple of weeks ago looking at the poor tarmacking and spray painting areas to be remedied. Nothing happened yet and expect more mess as and when.”

The drop-in will take place between 5.30pm and 7.30pm at Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club on Wednesday 14 March.

Virgin Media has been contacted for comment.