VICTORIOUS councillors and residents are celebrating after Virgin Media withdrew plans to dig up a new footpath to install fibre-optic cables.

Councillors from the Canvey Island South ward met up with Virgin Media representatives and Essex Highways three weeks ago to discuss whether the new footpath in Handle Road, Canvey should be dug up.

Handle Road residents and local councillors objected to the installation, based on a highways regulation whereby a new footpath cannot undergo roadworks 12 months following the completion of those works.

Dave Blackwell, councillor representing Canvey Island Central, was delighted the media giants have listened to residents and local councillors.

He said: “This is very good news. I am very pleased because we’ve been trying to get Virgin Media to listen to residents.

“Virgin Media decided not to risk aggravation from residents. I commend Virgin Media for taking up residents and councillors’ recommendations. They’ve worked very hard with residents and to build up a good relationship.

“Essex Highways put up the new footpath in last year. They needed to have a Section 58 in place, where no utility works can be put into place for the next 12 months.

“It was very considerate of them. I fully respect a company which respects residents. Sometimes when you’ve got little wins like this residents are very happy.”

Handle Road’s footpath had a new pavement installed late last year. The Echo previously reported the work was originally meant to take place this month.

Initially Mr Blackwell was pessimistic about the outcome, but no longer.

He added: “The vibes I was getting is that they might not bother and they pretty much said that they would reconsider and that there might not be any point.

“Virgin are very much aware that the road doesn’t want Virgin installed so there’s very little point in the work being done anyway.”

Barry Campagna, Independent councillor representing Canvey Island South, said: “I am very happy with the outcome.

“To do a good job of the footpath and then to have someone dig it up again, it’s just crazy. And besides the footpath was just installed late last year.

“This is a good way to bring attention to Virgin Media that they need to communicate with residents and to work together with Essex Highways to ensure all the right measures are in place.”

An Essex County Council spokesman said: “An officer from Essex Highways attended at the invitation of Councillor Blackwell.

“Virgin Media have not contacted us about this road and have not applied for a permit to install fibre optic cable in the road. Wherever works do take place, we are always ready to help broker any solutions.”

Virgin Media did not comment.