Wickham Bishops is a quiet village in Essex, characterised by its charming streets, serene landscapes, and a strong sense of community among its residents. However, the tranquillity and visual appeal of our village are under threat due to a proposed initiative by Essex & Suffolk Water, alongside their contractors, Connexin, who plan to install TEN towering 12-meter masts to support their smart meter technology. These installations are planned without prior local consultation, seemingly ignoring the village's heritage and the resident's voices.

The installation of these masts poses a significant change to the village's aesthetics and could potentially disrupt the community’s atmosphere. Villages like Wickham Bishops are cherished for their traditionally scenic settings and any alteration to this can lead to a loss in property values, in a setting that has thrived in this unspoiled environment for generations.

It's essential for utility companies to embrace modern technologies, and while the adoption of smart meters is a step forward in efficiency and resource management, it should not come at the expense of our village’s character. There are alternative, less invasive solutions that can achieve the same technological advancements without imposing on the landscape and heritage of Wickham Bishops. For example, utilising existing pole infrastructure can signifincantly mitigate the need for constructing new structures that stand out in residential areas.

By signing this petition, you are standing up for the character and integrity of Wickham Bishops, demanding that Essex & Suffolk Water initiate a proper consultation process, explore alternative methods, and ultimately, preserve the unique character of our village. Together, we can protect the environment and heritage of Wickham Bishops while still embracing technological advancements.

(You may want to be aware if you 'chip in' on following screen this money will not go directly to the action group, but will go to Change.org to help promote this petition to others on email and social meadia).