10:30 - 02 March 2005

Residents are set to start a campaign against the possible siting of a mobile phone mast in Stroud.

An application from phone company Hutchison 3G for a 15-metre device at the Prince of Wales pub, in Cashes Green, has been received by Stroud District Council. Despite claims from the company that the mast would operate within recommended health guidelines, residents gathered at a meeting of Cainscross Parish Council and claimed possible health implications made the site unsuitable.

And councillors agreed, voting to oppose the application.

Julia Currie, owner of nearby Croft Farm, was among those who attended the meeting.

She said: "I find it quite amazing. They have the audacity to say we'll have a mast there despite all the public feeling. My own view is that it is near enough to make me feel uncomfortable as a citizen. I'm not happy with the pub site at all."

Coun Darren Jones urged anyone interested in opposing the mast to unite in protest and seek more information about the plan.

From Mast Network