TRIPLE VICTORY FOR PROTESTERS
Tamworth Herald
10:30 - 17 November 2005
'ANXIOUS' campaigners deeply concerned about the effects of phone masts were relieved to see three more refused last week.
Ellie Piovesana
News Reporter
In front of a packed audience, members of the council's planning committee stood their ground against O2, branding masts 'monstrosities' and blasting Vodaphone for wanting one just 16 metres from one man's home.
"It was a resounding victory," said 'jubilant' campaigner Chris Aston.
"We took on a giant and came out smiling."
On Wednesday, November 9, councillors threw out two applications for O2 masts in Amington Fields and land off Marlborough Way for being too close to homes.
A third application for a 10 metre Vodaphone mast in Gillway Lane met the same fate when resident Barry Hunt said it would be just 16 metres from his teenage daughter's bedroom.
"We are anxious, stressed and fearful of the future," he said.
All three masts were refused by every member of the committee who stood by their agreed policy of putting masts at least 100 metres from homes.
Speaking at the meeting, Glascote ward councillor Chris Cooke, said: " Tamworth 's policy of 100 metres is inadequate - but at least it's something!"
Cllr Cooke echoed health fears and questioned Vodaphone's consultation methods, saying: "I don't feel sending a letter to councillors alone adequately deals with the company's duty to consult the public."
Mr Aston, of Kirtley, Glascote Heath, led a campaign with neighbour Richard Heath.
Both men highlighted deep-rooted fears a mast near their homes could be detrimental to health, children walking to school and the potential Olympic hopefuls using Glascote Stadium.
O2 and Vodaphone are expected to appeal against the decision, something Mr Aston is more than ready for.
"We'll be ready and we'll come out fighting again," he added. "I wonder if the O2 managing director would want one of these by his swimming pool."
10:30 - 17 November 2005
'ANXIOUS' campaigners deeply concerned about the effects of phone masts were relieved to see three more refused last week.
Ellie Piovesana
News Reporter
In front of a packed audience, members of the council's planning committee stood their ground against O2, branding masts 'monstrosities' and blasting Vodaphone for wanting one just 16 metres from one man's home.
"It was a resounding victory," said 'jubilant' campaigner Chris Aston.
"We took on a giant and came out smiling."
On Wednesday, November 9, councillors threw out two applications for O2 masts in Amington Fields and land off Marlborough Way for being too close to homes.
A third application for a 10 metre Vodaphone mast in Gillway Lane met the same fate when resident Barry Hunt said it would be just 16 metres from his teenage daughter's bedroom.
"We are anxious, stressed and fearful of the future," he said.
All three masts were refused by every member of the committee who stood by their agreed policy of putting masts at least 100 metres from homes.
Speaking at the meeting, Glascote ward councillor Chris Cooke, said: " Tamworth 's policy of 100 metres is inadequate - but at least it's something!"
Cllr Cooke echoed health fears and questioned Vodaphone's consultation methods, saying: "I don't feel sending a letter to councillors alone adequately deals with the company's duty to consult the public."
Mr Aston, of Kirtley, Glascote Heath, led a campaign with neighbour Richard Heath.
Both men highlighted deep-rooted fears a mast near their homes could be detrimental to health, children walking to school and the potential Olympic hopefuls using Glascote Stadium.
O2 and Vodaphone are expected to appeal against the decision, something Mr Aston is more than ready for.
"We'll be ready and we'll come out fighting again," he added. "I wonder if the O2 managing director would want one of these by his swimming pool."
Starmail - 18. Nov, 10:47
