VIRGIN Media have been accused of “corporate bullying” after installing an electrical cabinet outside a Rosyth couple’s home – and telling them they’ll have to pay £35,000 to move it. 

Ian and Michelle Fearnley were left stunned when they saw that the company had put it in front of their hedge on Norval Place, effectively stopping them having a driveway, without warning.

They were sent a letter last month explaining that works to install cabling would be carried out, but were not informed of where the box would be fitted.

And unless they stump up £35,000 to have the box removed, it will stay there.

Ian fumed: “They decided where it went with no consultation at all. 

“It could have been placed anywhere else and there wouldn’t be a problem for anyone in the street. 

“They have said that if we had planning permission for a driveway at the time, they couldn’t have placed it there. 

“So now if we do decide to build a driveway in the future, we’ve been told it could cost about £35,000 to remove this box.”

He continued: “They have given no thought for us at all. They have done what is best for them and said it doesn’t matter about us. 

“I can imagine we won’t be the only one’s that something like this has happened to. If there was a bit more common sense it might not happen so often, or at all.”

Rosyth councillor Pat Callaghan is backing the couple and said: “They’ve sat it right outside her front garden which means she can’t have a driveway.

"Michelle’s challenged them for three weeks but hasn’t got anywhere. They say they’ve got permission and have spoken to Fife Council, they’ve got a contract and they’re not moving, but I can’t find anyone within the council to tell me about this.

“It’s just so stupid and obstructive. To me it’s just corporate bullying. 

“I know there have been other complaints about the way this firm is working.

"They’re riding roughshod over everyone and I just want them stopped.”

A Duloch resident also complained to the Press about work starting without consultation with locals.

A Virgin Media spokesperson said: “Virgin Media is currently expanding its fibre optic network in Rosyth to bring ultrafast broadband speeds to more homes and businesses in the area. 

“As we do so, we endeavour to minimise disruption to the local community and work with our contractors and the local authorities to ensure that work is carried out with professionalism and at the highest standard. 

“In the case of Norval Place in Rosyth, we apologise to the local residents for any inconvenience we may have caused with the street cabinet installation.”