09:38 - 17 March 2005

West councillors yesterday urged their counterparts across the region to impose a 50-metre exclusion zone for mobile phone masts near schools and homes. Gloucestershire County Council's ruling Labour and Liberal Democrat cabinet, backed by Tory councillors, voted to continue its policy on siting masts away from where people live and work because of health concerns. It wants the Government to look again at the rules on placing masts.

The move comes after evidence given at yesterday's meeting by campaigner Lynne Edmunds on the possible health risks posed by masts.

The council has had an increasing number of applications from private companies to erect third generation (3G), masts on land it owns.

Council leader Peter Clarke said: "We know that this is an issue of great public concern and feel it is our responsibility to urge other councils to adopt appropriate policies in light of the latest evidence." Deputy leader Liz Boait said: "The siting of masts needs to be considered as a matter of urgency which is why we have agreed to write to the Government to express our concerns." The cabinet resolved to refer the consideration of masts to its scrutiny management committee.


From Mast Network