A tall order
Jul 11 2005
James Johnston,Teeside Evening Gazette
Residents are set to launch a fresh protest against a mobile phone company that built a mast on their doorsteps.
People on Stockton 's Bishopton Road West awoke to discover engineers from O2 had installed the 12m mast at the footpath outside the Rimswell pub.
They expected a slimline steel pole similar to a street light but were shocked at the mast - which has a 53-inch circumference - and are now lobbying Stockton Council and Stockton South MP Dari Taylor to have it removed.
Marilyn Temple, of Fairfield Road , said: "It has ruined the whole area. I can't believe that they would put this sort of thing in a residential area."
Last year protesters were overjoyed when Stockton Council rejected an application for a mast.
But the Government's planning inspectorate decided in favour of the telecommunication company.
William Thompson, 83, of Fairfield Road , said: "We think the engineers came at about five or six in the morning to put it up. It's just a sneaky way to stop any protests.
A spokeswoman for O2 said they follow strict procedures when installing equipment and work with the Highways Agency to avoid traffic problems.
"The apparatus is a 12m street furniture-style column, which has been built in accordance with the permission granted to O2.
"The installation of the pole took place at a time which would cause minimal disruption to pedestrians and vehicles."
James Johnston,Teeside Evening Gazette
Residents are set to launch a fresh protest against a mobile phone company that built a mast on their doorsteps.
People on Stockton 's Bishopton Road West awoke to discover engineers from O2 had installed the 12m mast at the footpath outside the Rimswell pub.
They expected a slimline steel pole similar to a street light but were shocked at the mast - which has a 53-inch circumference - and are now lobbying Stockton Council and Stockton South MP Dari Taylor to have it removed.
Marilyn Temple, of Fairfield Road , said: "It has ruined the whole area. I can't believe that they would put this sort of thing in a residential area."
Last year protesters were overjoyed when Stockton Council rejected an application for a mast.
But the Government's planning inspectorate decided in favour of the telecommunication company.
William Thompson, 83, of Fairfield Road , said: "We think the engineers came at about five or six in the morning to put it up. It's just a sneaky way to stop any protests.
A spokeswoman for O2 said they follow strict procedures when installing equipment and work with the Highways Agency to avoid traffic problems.
"The apparatus is a 12m street furniture-style column, which has been built in accordance with the permission granted to O2.
"The installation of the pole took place at a time which would cause minimal disruption to pedestrians and vehicles."
Starmail - 12. Jul, 17:47
