Concerns have been raised over new broadband boxes blocking part of the footpath on a busy street.

Virgin Media has recently installed a new cabinet on the pathway along West Wycombe Road as part of its work to improve broadband in the area. 

But now residents have said the cabinet should have been placed further back on the grass verge and have questioned why this has been allowed. 

Walking and cycling campaigner, Nick Rowcliffe, 62, said 'pedestrians are worthy of respect' after the boxes were played on the pavement earlier this month.

Virgin Media boxes placed on West Wycombe Road in MarlowVirgin Media boxes placed on West Wycombe Road in Marlow (Image: Nick Rowcliffe)

He told the Free Press: "If householders block the public pathway the council can take action to make them move.

"The council wouldn’t promote that to happen on a road so why should that happen on a pavement?

"In this particular case there is a grass verge behind. They could have put it one foot back.

"It is a question of principle. You don’t go narrowing roads for no reason and you shouldn’t narrow pavements for no reason."

He added that walking should be valued in Marlow adding that actions have been taken against overgrown hedges that cause less obstruction to the pavement.

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But he isn't the only one concerned about the boxes as others have gone online to voice their concerns. 

One person wrote on the FixMyStreet page: "Virgin Media has erected two large boxes obstructing the pavement.

"An obvious danger to pavement users particularly if partially sighted. Is this allowed?"

But Virgin Media said it works with councils before installing cabinets to make sure pedestrians are still able to pass safely. 

A spokesperson for the company said: “We recently installed a cabinet on Wycombe Road as part of our investment in the region to bring our ultrafast broadband to Marlow.

"Prior to works commencing, we work collaboratively with local authorities to gain the necessary permits and cabinets are installed in line with statutory safety requirements.”

Regulations from the Government say the installation of telecoms infrastructure, such as mobile masts and broadband cabinets, would normally require planning permission though network operators have certain permitted development rights.

Buckinghamshire Council has been approached for comment.