ANGER has been expressed over the state of drives and roads following work carried out by Virgin Media.

Offa Community Council is to tell Wrexham Council that

it must now make sure proper advance notice is given to residents about the phone, TV and internet company coming to their area – and that the work must be carried out in a satisfactory manner.

County Councillor Graham Rogers said he had had a lot of trouble in his Hermitage ward with work carried out and left like a 'snails tail'.

He said the work was terrible and Wrexham Council must take action and stop Virgin Media popping up here and there and everywhere.

County councillor Alun Jenkins said Wrexham Council should make sure residents get adequate advance notice.

County Cllr Paul Roberts said residents had also had problems in Coed y Glyn and The Ithens.

Cllr Joanna Kinch said Wrexham Council has to "get a grip of the situation.”

"We should not be expected to stand outside our homes like soldiers while work is carried out," she said.

Cllr Linda Subacchi said that a few days before her holiday, work

started at her home in The Ithens.

The driveway was dug up and was still up when she returned, she explained.

Darren Williams, chief officer for environment and technical, said: “Wrexham Council is aware of these concerns and has raised them with Virgin Media as the works promoter.

"It is the responsibility of Virgin Media as the works promoter and its nominated contractors to inform residents of their upcoming works - this applies to all utility companies undertaking works within the public highway.

“The council has no powers to stop utility works from taking place. "Its statutory responsibility is to ensure that works undertaken by utility companies are co-ordinated as not to conflict with one another, and to ensure disruption to the travelling public is minimalised.

“All works undertaken by contractors within the highway are subject to inspection by the council - any works found to be substandard are defected and the utility company is duty-bound to carry out necessary remedial works.”

A Virgin Media spokesman said: “Virgin Media is in the process of expanding its network in Wrexham which will bring ultrafast broadband speeds to local residents and businesses.

"The condition of roads and pathways have been monitored throughout the build and we will work closely with the council to ensure that any corrective works are completed and meet the required standards. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”