MP says third day of internet outage 'disgraceful'
MP Bill Easterson says people in Maghull do not have internet for a third day after sewer repairs.
By BBC News
An MP has condemned the third consecutive day without internet access for residents in Maghull as disgraceful, following sewer repair work that inadvertently damaged communications infrastructure. Bill Esterson, the local MP, stated that people in the area remain unable to connect to the internet, leaving households, businesses and emergency services without a vital digital link.
The outage began after crews working on sewer repairs in Maghull accidentally severed underground cables that carry broadband and mobile data signals. Residents have reported being unable to use online banking, access work platforms, contact relatives or even make emergency calls through digital networks.
Some families said they have been forced to rely on mobile phones with poor signal strength, while others have travelled to nearby towns to use public Wi-Fi. Local businesses, including shops and cafes, have struggled to process card payments or manage online orders, with some temporarily closing due to the disruption.
Bill Esterson MP, who represents the area, described the situation as unacceptable and demanded immediate action from the utility company responsible for the repairs. He said that while sewer maintenance is necessary, the failure to protect communications infrastructure during the work was a serious oversight.
The MP has contacted the company’s senior management and is urging them to restore services as quickly as possible. He also called for a full review of how such repairs are carried out to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Councillor Phil Hart, Labour representative for Maghull East, has joined the campaign, stating that the outage is causing significant hardship for the community. He described the situation as a crisis that has left many residents feeling isolated and vulnerable.
Hart has been working with local volunteers to distribute information about alternative ways to stay connected, including mobile hotspots and temporary phone lines. He also urged the utility company to provide regular updates on the progress of repairs and to compensate affected residents for any losses.
The utility company has not yet issued a public statement, but internal reports suggest that engineers are working to locate the damaged cables and install temporary replacements. The company has acknowledged that the outage was caused by its repair work and said it is treating the situation with urgency.
However, residents remain frustrated by the lack of clear communication and the slow pace of restoration. Some have taken to social media to express their anger, with many posting photos of disconnected routers and empty broadband boxes.
Local authorities have been asked to provide emergency support, including mobile data units and temporary phone lines, to help residents cope with the outage. The council has also set up a hotline for people to report issues and request assistance.
In the meantime, some residents have been using mobile phones with limited signal to stay connected, while others have travelled to nearby towns to use public Wi-Fi. Schools in the area have been affected, with some unable to access online learning platforms or communicate with parents.
Bill Esterson MP has vowed to keep pushing for a swift resolution and has promised to hold a meeting with the utility company’s senior team to discuss the incident. He said that the community deserves better and that the outage must be treated as a priority.
The MP also called for a full investigation into how the cables were damaged and for the company to take responsibility for the disruption. He warned that if services are not restored soon, he will take further action, including raising the issue in Parliament.
The incident has drawn attention from other local politicians and community leaders, who have expressed concern over the impact on residents. Councillor Rosa Battle, who represents Thornton and Hightown, praised the work of local volunteers and said that the community is doing its best to cope with the situation.
She urged the utility company to provide regular updates and to compensate affected residents for any losses. The council has also been asked to provide emergency support, including mobile data units and temporary phone lines, to help residents stay connected.
As the third day of the outage continues, residents remain frustrated and anxious about the lack of progress. Many have taken to social media to share their experiences and demand action, with some posting photos of disconnected routers and empty broadband boxes.
The utility company has not yet provided a clear timeline for restoration, leaving many unsure when services will be back. Bill Esterson MP has said that he will continue to push for a swift resolution and that the community deserves better.
He warned that if services are not restored soon, he will take further action, including raising the issue in Parliament. The situation in Maghull highlights the critical importance of protecting communications infrastructure during essential repairs and the need for better coordination between utility companies and local authorities.
Residents are now waiting for the utility company to restore services and for the MP to secure a full investigation into how the cables were damaged. The community remains united in its demand for a swift resolution and for the company to take responsibility for the disruption.
Bill Esterson MP has said that he will not stop until services are back and that the community deserves better. He warned that if services are not restored soon, he will take further action, including raising the issue in Parliament.