We don't want a mast in our road
PETER WALSH
03 November 2005 11:42
Phone mast campaigners are facing a fresh fight to stop a mobile phone mast being put up in the city.
Telecommunications giant Vodafone has submitted plans for a 10-metre timber pole in the prestigious Newmarket Road area to planners at Norwich City Council.
However families living near the Newmarket Road Surgery, close to where the mast is set to go, are concerned about the possible effects the proposal, which includes antennae and associated ground based equipment cabinet, might have.
The Evening News contacted the surgery but was told they had no comment to make about the application at this stage.
"I don't consider that a residential area such as this is a suitable area for a phone mast," said James Lord, 75, who lives off Newmarket Road in nearby Glenalmond.
"I wouldn't welcome anything that requires a large magnetic field which is what microwaves are."
Mr Lord, a retired insurance worker, said masts were better suited to bigger buildings like Normandie Tower, or the new Fellowes Plain complex on the grounds of the former Norfolk and Norwich Hospital site.
The Evening News has campaigned against the installation of mobile phone masts near homes and schools until it is proved safe.
Dr Ian Gibson, Norwich North MP and long-time supporter of our campaign, said: "I would like to know what the doctors feel about it, why Vodafone have positioned it there, and how many people were consulted about it.
"They should really acknowledge the fact they've got to get the public on side."
Dr Gibson appealed to Vodafone to take the wishes of people who live near the mast into account before making these proposals and urged them to get in touch with him.
"I find it difficult to understand why they are doing it," he said. "I've had no complaints from people round this area not being able to get a reception on their phones — it baffles me."
In April 1997 the Evening News reported how people living in the Newmarket Road area were up in arms at plans for a 25-metre telephone mast which they said would lower the value of their homes.
Cambridge-based Ionica has lodged an application with the city council to build the mast just off Newmarket Road.
But homeowners near the site, at the Civil Service sports ground at Wentworth Green, wrote to council planners urging them to block the scheme.
A spokeswoman for Vodafone said the mast complied with safety guidelines which have been put in place to protect everyone whether people lived near to the mast or not.
Omega read "Base Stations, operating within strict national and international Guidelines, do not present a Health Risk?" under: http://omega.twoday.net/stories/771911/
"It will be improving voice and text services but also bringing new services to local people," she said.
"They are designed to be placed in streets that's why they are timber poles so they blend in with the existing street furniture."
http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/content/News/story.aspx?brand=ENOnline&category=News&tBrand=enonline&tCategory=news&itemid=NOED03%20Nov%202005%2012%3A05%3A59%3A153
03 November 2005 11:42
Phone mast campaigners are facing a fresh fight to stop a mobile phone mast being put up in the city.
Telecommunications giant Vodafone has submitted plans for a 10-metre timber pole in the prestigious Newmarket Road area to planners at Norwich City Council.
However families living near the Newmarket Road Surgery, close to where the mast is set to go, are concerned about the possible effects the proposal, which includes antennae and associated ground based equipment cabinet, might have.
The Evening News contacted the surgery but was told they had no comment to make about the application at this stage.
"I don't consider that a residential area such as this is a suitable area for a phone mast," said James Lord, 75, who lives off Newmarket Road in nearby Glenalmond.
"I wouldn't welcome anything that requires a large magnetic field which is what microwaves are."
Mr Lord, a retired insurance worker, said masts were better suited to bigger buildings like Normandie Tower, or the new Fellowes Plain complex on the grounds of the former Norfolk and Norwich Hospital site.
The Evening News has campaigned against the installation of mobile phone masts near homes and schools until it is proved safe.
Dr Ian Gibson, Norwich North MP and long-time supporter of our campaign, said: "I would like to know what the doctors feel about it, why Vodafone have positioned it there, and how many people were consulted about it.
"They should really acknowledge the fact they've got to get the public on side."
Dr Gibson appealed to Vodafone to take the wishes of people who live near the mast into account before making these proposals and urged them to get in touch with him.
"I find it difficult to understand why they are doing it," he said. "I've had no complaints from people round this area not being able to get a reception on their phones — it baffles me."
In April 1997 the Evening News reported how people living in the Newmarket Road area were up in arms at plans for a 25-metre telephone mast which they said would lower the value of their homes.
Cambridge-based Ionica has lodged an application with the city council to build the mast just off Newmarket Road.
But homeowners near the site, at the Civil Service sports ground at Wentworth Green, wrote to council planners urging them to block the scheme.
A spokeswoman for Vodafone said the mast complied with safety guidelines which have been put in place to protect everyone whether people lived near to the mast or not.
Omega read "Base Stations, operating within strict national and international Guidelines, do not present a Health Risk?" under: http://omega.twoday.net/stories/771911/
"It will be improving voice and text services but also bringing new services to local people," she said.
"They are designed to be placed in streets that's why they are timber poles so they blend in with the existing street furniture."
http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/content/News/story.aspx?brand=ENOnline&category=News&tBrand=enonline&tCategory=news&itemid=NOED03%20Nov%202005%2012%3A05%3A59%3A153
Starmail - 3. Nov, 23:05
