Furious residents fear their homes may have plunged in value after an “eyesore” 50ft-high broadband mast was erected within inches of their doorstep.

Homeowners on Clarendon Street, in Rochdale, worry their properties may have dropped by as much as £20,000 after the pole was put up without warning. The huge metal beam is one of dozens built across Greater Manchester by telecoms company IX Wireless, which it says will give locals access to highspeed internet.