Mar 24 2005

Ormskirk Advertiser

ORANGE have had their third application in a year for a mobile phone mast in Scarisbrick rejected amid fears of public health risks.

But the official reason for the council's decision is that it spoils the Green Belt.

Government planning rules mean that health and safety cannot be taken into account when deciding planning applications.

Scarisbrick resident Ian Masheder spoke at a planning meeting, opposing Orange's plans to install the 6m flagpole antenna on Mill Brow waterworks, yards from his home.

Speaking of the increasing concerns over public health risks posed by mobile phone masts, he said: "I live in Mill Brow cottage with my wife and four children. My wife and myself feel we will be used as human guinea pigs.

Exposure to microwaves could be a danger to our health."

This prompted members of the committee to talk about public safety risks, be they real or imagined.

Scarisbrick Cllr Margaret Edwards said: "Until they can give a categoric assurance that there is no health risk we should not allow any application where there are residents."

Cllr Terry Rice said: "The more we get to know the more we know that experts get it wrong.

"Remember, we are not just here as members of the planning committee but as councillors representing the public."

Although a representative for Orange was expected to speak at the meeting nobody attended.


From Mast Network