Chichester Observer

A nursery for very young children could have a mobile phone mast built next to it.

Hutchison 3G, owners of the '3' video and picture messaging mobile phone network, is eyeing a site opposite the Ladybird Nursery in Bracklesham Lane, Bracklesham Bay to build the 15m mast.

The idea, which has yet to reach the formal planning stage, has been called 'a kick in the teeth' by nursery owner, Stewart Blunden, who looks after children from new-born to five years old.

Mr Blunden revealed the mobile phone company's intentions to the Observer after it emerged that he was the only business owner or individual in the area who had been contacted by Hutchison during a 'consultation' excercise.

"Why am I the only person to be contacted about it?" he said. "Surely if they want a consultation excercise they should consult as many people as possible.

"I have to believe the Stewart Report which says these masts are safe. But we all know the government lies to us."

"Who in their right mind would send their children to a nursery which has a great big mast opposite it?"

Full report in the July 14 issue of the Chichester Observer

21 July 2005