Streetworks in your area

Got a question about the work happening on your street? Here are some of the most common things we get asked, along with answers to help keep you in the know.

• Why is work happening in my area?

  Many UK homes are still connected to an old-fashioned internet infrastructure, originally designed for telephones. In many cases, fibre optic cable is used to the cabinet on the street, but copper cable is used between the street cabinet and the home, called FTTC or ‘Fibre to the Cabinet’.

  Today, homes need a much faster movement of data up and down the network. The only way to get this is with a dedicated fibre optic cable to the cabinet, and from the cabinet direct to the home, called FTTP or ‘Fibre to the Premises’. That’s where we come in!

  We’re working with trusted third-party contractors to bring a Full Fibre broadband network to your area – futureproof, fast, and built for the way you live and work today. Once installed, our sister company Grain Connect can give you access to broadband packages, powered by the latest UK broadband technology.

• How will the contractor communicate with me?

  Before any work begins, we give you a heads up. This includes a door knock and leaflet drop from our team, plus signage on nearby lampposts to let you and your neighbours know that work is starting soon.

  We aim to speak to as many residents as possible – but if we miss you, don’t worry. Everything we hand out includes a QR code linking straight back to this webpage, where you’ll find estimated start dates, helpful FAQs, and key information about the work being carried out by Grain Communications and our contractor.

  • Take a look at the ‘Coming soon’ leaflet, here.
  • Need this info in another language? You can read it in multiple languages, here.

  As the date approaches, the contractor may also post a letter through your door with further details. While they’ll always aim to keep disruption to a minimum, we really appreciate your patience while the work is completed.

• How will the work be carried out?

  When work is due to start on your street, our third party contractor will carry out the dig on a street-by-street basis by way of traditional trenching, reinstating as they go and checking the works to ensure all statutory requirements are met. Safety barriers and signage will also be put up in the local area. We do not use any poles as part of the Grain network.

• How long will the work last?

  Once the contractor starts work on your street, they’ll be operating under permits that typically last between 10 and 20 working days. During this time, they aim to complete all digging and reinstatement works. You can check the permit dates for your street above.

  While delays are rare, this is outdoor work involving third-party contractors – so occasionally, things like weather or unexpected ground conditions can cause hold-ups. If that happens, the Local Authority may grant an extension to allow the contractor to safely finish the job.

  Rest assured, any extended works will be completed as efficiently as possible, with every effort made to minimise disruption to you and your neighbours.

• How will the work be inspected?

  Local Authorities conduct site visits on a regular basis in order to check the work is being completed in line with statutory requirements, safety barriers and signage are in place and the work is being completed to a quality standard. Any work that does not meet their standards will be rectified before the project is signed off as complete.

• How will Full Fibre benefit me?

  With more devices in our homes than ever, only a direct Full Fibre connection can keep up — offering faster speeds, greater reliability, and futureproof performance.

  It can even add value to your home. And when you’re ready to connect, our sister company Grain Connect offers competitive prices and a promise of no in-contract price rises – unlike many providers. Better broadband, no nasty surprises.

• What about parking during the works?

  We understand that on-street public parking, on the public highway, is already limited – and we completely understand how frustrating it can be to lose a space.

  Occasionally, the contractor may need vehicles moved from public areas so they can safely access the space and carry out the work. Local Authorities only permit work on one side of the street at a time, which helps ensure parking remains available on the opposite side.

  The team aims to complete work quickly to reduce disruption and keep any restrictions to a minimum. If you’re able to move your vehicle when requested, it helps them get past your home as quickly as possible.

  If the contractor hasn’t had a chance to speak with you in person and you later need access or a barrier temporarily moved, just speak to one of the team on site – they’ll be happy to help.

• Will the work create a mess?

  Our contractors aim to keep things clean and tidy, clearing up as they go. That said, this is outdoor work – so depending on the time of year and weather conditions, it can be tricky to fully control mud or debris, especially with vehicles still using the street and parking on public roads and footpaths.

  Once the main work and pavement reinstatement are complete, the team will carry out as much cleaning as possible. However, as you will understand, the contractors can’t be held liable for any dirt that residents carry into their homes on footwear, or for any dirt on vehicles parked on the public footpath or public highway.

• How can I report an issue with the barriers?

  If the barriers have been knocked or blown over due to adverse weather conditions, please get in touch and inform the team as soon as possible. When informed, we will be able to contact the local third-party contractors on your behalf, who will promptly visit site and replace the barriers.

• Why is the equipment stored on the street?

  While the permit is still active and the clean-up and reinstatement work is ongoing, you may see materials temporarily left on-site. This is a normal part of the process.

  To check if the permit is still open for your street, you can view the permit start and end dates by entering your street name in the checker above.

• Will my other utilities be disrupted during the dig?

  Your current broadband and other utilities shouldn’t be affected, as the contractor is installing Grain’s own independent Full Fibre network – separate from existing infrastructure in the area.

  If you do experience a disruption to services like gas, water, or broadband during the works, please contact your existing provider first to check for any known issues. Only your utility provider can investigate and resolve problems on their network. If needed, they’ll liaise directly with the contractors working on your street.

• How can I report damage to the Toby Box?

  If the Toby Box (the small black box on your pavement) has been damaged or left open, please get in touch and inform the team as soon as possible. We will be able to contact the local third-party contractors on your behalf, who will promptly visit site and repair the Toby Box.