Clermiston grass banks 'chewed up' by contractors after part of Edinburgh's £100m full fibre network installed

One local councillor says he first highlighted the mess in November and is disappointed that green spaces are still "chewed up."

Contractors have been slammed over their restitution efforts after carrying out engineering work on behalf of CityFibre in Clermiston.

Contractors have been slammed over their restitution efforts after carrying out engineering work on behalf of CityFibre in Clermiston.

PMK Civil Engineering carried out the work and are among several contractors tasked with delivering a full fibre network across the Capital. But there is a worry that areas undergoing the same installation works in the future will suffer from similar damage to their green spaces.

'Disappointing'

Local Councillor Mark Brown has been extremely concerned about the damage caused to residential grass banks in his ward.

Local Councillor Mark Brown has been extremely concerned about the damage caused to residential grass banks in his ward.

He said: “Whilst I’m pleased that my ward was selected as the first to receive these City Fibre installations to increase connectivity in the area, it is disappointing to see that the mess left behind by the contractor doesn’t match the shiny brochure look presented to my constituents at the outset.

“I first highlighted the mess left by contractors to council officers in late November. It’s disappointing to learn that as we enter into a new year - we still find these chewed up communal areas and green spaces. It’s imperative that the Council hold the contractor to task on this and I have demanded immediate remedial work is undertaken.”

£100m fibre network plans

CityFibre announced plans last year to roll out a new £100m full fibre network - transforming “Edinburgh into one of the best digitally connected cities in the country.”

It is hoped that the major installation work will be completed in all areas of the city within the next four and a half years. At the moment, Leith, Balerno and Clermiston are seeing work carried out in residential areas.

Before CityFibre begin work in communities, they say that they will dispatch a team of door knockers supported by information that is posted to residents and also shared online - however they state that they are not yet ready to confirm the next locations.

CityFibre spokesperson said: “Where an area has been affected by our construction works, every effort is taken to ensure the local environment is protected. This includes reseeding grass banks when the weather permits.”

A council spokesperson said: “We are aware of verge reinstatement issues in this area and our teams will continue to visit the site and will work with contractors to ensure grass reinstatements are completed in early spring.”