Reddich Hopper 03.08.05

A MATCHBOROUGH man is rallying support to fight one of an "epidemic" of mobile phone masts across Redditch.

Phil Henshaw, of Frankton Close, said he was lobbying as many neighbours as possible to oppose the proposed mast in Bart Leet Road.

"It's position would be a mere stone's throw away from Matchborough First School - I couldn't think of a worse location," he said.

"I'm sick of so-called experts telling us they're safe - nothing seems to have been proven yet about the health effects."

He added: "But they seem to be springing up everywhere - it's like an epidemic - nothing's being done to stop it."

The latest phase of mobile phone masts - so-called "third generation" masts - are being installed to accommodate improved technology, with the latest phones boasting videos and cameras.

Redditch Council's head of planning, John Staniland, said demand for mobile phones was also on the increase.

He said he sympathised with concerned residents, but added: "This is a national issue - Redditch residents aren't alone in their concerns.

"But phone masts are given the go-ahead if they comply with national standards - and if they do local government is powerless to intervene."