Introducing a motion at Wiltshire Council’s full council meeting on Tuesday, October 21 councillor Phil Alford (Conservative, Melksham Without North & Shurnhold) said: “Anyone who drove here today would have seen those green and grey cabinets and you will have noticed graffiti on every one of them.
“I’ve reported them, but contacting the utilities companies, and getting them to accept responsibility, is very difficult.
“They won’t allow anyone else to maintain the cabinets, but they won’t do it themselves.
“Parishes councils can’t do it. Residents can’t do it. I want the council to step up and help us out, because this is something we can really try to make a difference on.”
Responding, cabinet member for highways Martin Smith said he supported the motion, but added: “I understand the frustrations locally that the issue this causes.
“I do have concerns, though, about whether we actually have enough influence to do much about it though.
“I would caution members that we do not have the authority to insist on these measures. We can only request, coerce, and cajole these companies to do better.”
The motion called on the council to approach the utilities companies to improve the ease of reporting, follow up with those reporting the concerns within two weeks, and to expedite action to resolve issues.
The motion was carried by 73 votes to four, with nine abstentions.