CONSERVATION AREA MAST ANGER

The offending pole recently went up at the junction of Abinger Place and St Johns Terrace, close to the Church of St John-sub-Castro.

Plans for the pole were originally opposed by both the Friends of Lewes and Lewes District Council but BT went ahead with the work.

Now Robert Cheesman, chairman of the Friends, has written to BT chiefs saying: 'Lewes is a town of considerable architectural interest and this is recognised by it having a large conservation area.

'We had understood that statutory undertakers had to underground their wires when it was necessary to renew any part of their network in such an area.

'In light of this, we would like to know why BT felt able to ignore this and propose a pole in a much more conspicuous position than the one it replaces.'

BT has written back to say that it would underground a line if the person or organisation making the request was willing to pay the cost, estimated at 60 to 70 a metre.

A Lewes District Council spokesman said: 'An officer from our planning department is currently in discussion with BT to find an alternative siting for the pole which we know is of concern to local residents.

'We are hopeful that a solution will be forthcoming.'

l Pictured:The offending pole near to the Church of St John-sub-Castro