Mast row

Pontefract and Castle ford Express

ANGRY Airedale residents will be meeting mobile phone bosses later this month in a bid to stop plans for a 28ft mast in the middle of their estate. More than 500 objectors – backed by MP Yvette Cooper – signed a petition against the mast to be built on a patch of grassland in Elizabeth Drive.

Bosses from Vodafone have now agreed to meet residents at a special drop-in session at Castleford Civic Centre on Wednesday September 21 from 4-7pm. Petition organiser James Dakin, who lives on Elizabeth Drive, said: "A drop-in session suggests Vodafone wants to deal with residents individually instead of as a whole group. It could split people's opinions and we want to tackle the company together. "This is typical of what's happening across the country with these masts. Mobile phone companies and councils just railroad them through despite the potential health risks. I would have expected the council to at least allow us to put in our objections first." Ms Cooper said she had written to Vodafone three times to ask them to consult residents. She added: "I am appalled that Vodafone didn't meet residents before putting their planning application forward, despite having assured me three times that they would. "I am now urging them to conduct a proper consultation before anything goes ahead and that means listening to what residents have to say and not simply coming to talk to them."

A Wakefield Council spokesman said: "Planning permission for the mast was given to Vodafone on August 10. It was a delegated decision so it didn't need to go to full committee."

01 September 2005

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I will be sending this article to Prof Allmendinger who is in charge of the Arup study commissioned by the Government on whether the operators are adhering to the 10 commitments and their other obligations. Sian

Fife Today

A PROPOSED mobile mast to the north of Markinch looks set to be refused by councillors.

Vodafone Ltd., has asked Fife Council for permission to install a 14-metre high mast, three antennas and associated equipment cabins on the north side of the A92 junction with Stobcross Road.
The application was due to come before councillors at the Central Area Development Committee Meeting in the Town House, Kirkcaldy yesterday (Tuesday).

A report prepared by planner Stuart Wilson, and placed before the committee, said there are three planning considerations to be looked at - government guidance, the Development Plan and objections received.

Mr Wilson said although the proposed mast was higher than the existing 12-metre high street lamp post, it would not impact on the overall area.

And when looking at the Development Plan, Mr Wilson said the application site is located within a green corridor but as the mast would be installed within the road verge, it would not be detrimental to this.

The proposal is also in accordance with policies relating to design and visual impacts.

But the proposal was recommended for refusal on road safety grounds.

Fife Council's head of transportation and the Scottish Executive were consulted on the plans and while there was no objection from the local authority, the Executive rejected the application.

Its objection related to road safety as maintenance vehicles would have to be parked on the local unclassified road near to the A92 junction.

Mr Wilson said: "If approved, it will set an undesirable precedent for similar developments elsewhere."

31 August 2005

The Northern Echo 31.08.05

A TELECOMMUNICATIONS company is appealing a planning committee's decision to refuse permission to erect a mobile phone mast in a north Durham residential area.

O2 wants to install a 12-metre signal transmitter on land south of Carlingford Road, on the Garden Farm Estate, in Chester-le-Street.

It was refused permission in June by the Chester-le-Street District Council's planning department.

The committee has received 600 letters of opposition to the mast from locals following a campaign started by the Garden Farm and West Lane Community Association.

Association chairman Reg Nelson said: "I can't quite understand why they want to put it in the middle of a residential area near the local shops.

"There are plenty of other areas in Chester-le-Street where they can put the aerial, so I do not know why they are so determined to put it there."

Mr Nelson urged people with strong views on the matter to write to the planning inspector who will investigate the council's decision to refuse permission.

Letters should quote reference number APP/G1305/A/05/1185984 and be sent to The Planning Inspectorate, Room 3-03, Kite Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Bristol, BS1 6PN.

No one from O2 was available for comment when contacted by The Northern Echo yesterday.

Lincolnshire Echo

10:30 - 31 August 2005

Plans to erect a mobile phone mast near three schools have surfaced for the third time, leaving people living nearby seething.

Mobile phone operator O2 has been refused planning permission to site the 12.5 metre high pole off Nash Lane, in North Hykeham, twice in the past two years.

The company has now lodged an appeal against the refusal, saying it needs the mast so its customers get a good signal in the area.

But those living nearby say nothing has changed and they will still fight the plans for their own safety and that of children studying at nearby All Saints' Primary School, Robert Pattinson School and North Kesteven School.

Retired Mike Baldwin (61), of Moor Lane, said he was angry to see the plans back again.

"O2 has said that there is no proof that being near to a mobile phone mast can damage your health, but the way I look at it there is also no proof that it is 100 per cent safe," he said.

Omega there is proof that being near to a mobile phone mast can damage your health. See under:
http://omega.twoday.net/topics/Wissenschaft+zu+Mobilfunk/ and
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Cancer+Cluster
http://www.buergerwelle.de/body_science.html

"I'm also concerned about the visual impact of such a high mast. It would be higher than a telegraph pole and hard to hide. You'd be able to see it from my garden."

North Hykeham town councillor Jackie McAll said she was disappointed to see the plans surfacing again.

"I have always had concerns about this plan and don't think that Nash Lane, in the middle of a residential area, is the best place for a mobile phone mast," she said.

"We suggested they consider putting the mast in the cemetery at South Hykeham, where it is less residential, but they seemed to have passed that idea off without giving any real reason."

The second planning application for the erection of the mast was refused on February 5 because North Kesteven District Council felt it would be too close to houses.

But O2 has now put together and submitted a full planning appeal against the refusal.

"Every attempt has been made to minimise the visual impact of the scheme toward nearby properties by careful siting," the appeal states.

"The proposed design represents the best compromise between the visual impact of the proposal on the amenity of the area and meeting the technical coverage requirement for the appellants."

Angela Johnson, from O2, said the appeal was standard practice.

"As a rule if we do not get planning permission for a site that's urgently needed, like this one, we will put in an appeal as we have done now," she said.

For more stories on plans for Lincolnshire log on to http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/environment

Blackpool Today

PLANS to site a phone mast close to a primary school have met with furious opposition from parents. More than 500 letters of opposition have been handed to Vodafone in response to plans by the telecommunications giant to erect a four metre high antenna on top of a building close to Norbreck Primary School.

Darren Stringer, 40, who organised the protest and delivered 558 letters and a 137 name petition to the firm said residents of North Shore were horrified. The father-of-three, who has an eight-year-old daughter at the school, said: "There is huge opposition to this mast from parents and local residents who are concerned about the health risks. "Our campaign is based on numerous reports warning about radiation from the antenna and I don't want my children subjected to that kind of health risk. "If the Government warns us not to let kids use mobile phones too much, and we should not use them in petrol stations, then surely that shows there is a problem."

A nursery school within the grounds of Norbreck Primary, the outer edge of which is 70m from the antennae, is also set to open, causing further concern for Mr Stringer's partner Joanne Rigby. She added: "Not only are there schoolchildren, but also nursery children who will be involved. "There has been no long-term study on the effects of mobile phone masts. "Why wouldn't we want to err on the side of caution until the facts are properly known? "We would appeal to Vodafone one last time, people in this area do not want this mast here, can it not go somewhere else?"

Vodafone consulted local residents at a recent exhibition in Cleveleys prior to notification going to Blackpool Council, which is not required to grant permission due to the height of the antennae. Although Vodafone sent 600 letters to objectors, the drop-in session was attended by just 25 residents.

Mum-of-two Amanda Holden said: "They organised it in the middle of the summer holidays when many people are away and from 4.30pm to 7.30pm when mums of children at the school are giving them tea and putting them to bed. "It could not have been organised at a time more inconvenient to most of the protesters."

Norbreck ward Coun Peter Callow said: "There needs to be a full and proper public meeting for the people of this area to have their say rather than an exhibition held when many people are on holiday. "We were also disappointed that the drop in was in Cleveleys and not Norbreck, but the company knows it will be in for a hard time if it does call such a meeting because feelings are running high."

While there are no plans for another meeting Vodafone bosses confirmed they are looking at alternative sites suggested by those who attended the exhibition before the antennae is erected. A Vodafone spokeswoman said: "There were 13 alternatives which we are looking at, but residents must realise that as the antennae has a small coverage area there will be one in this vicinity. "In our view this is the preferable option because it is discreet and does not require a new structure on the highway." The spokesman added the company had followed European and World Health Organisation guidelines which cover radio signals from mobile phone masts, TV, radio and emergency services communications equipment.

Omega see "Base Stations, operating within strict national and international Guidelines, do not present a Health Risk" under:
http://omega.twoday.net/stories/771911/

heather.butler@blackpoolgazette.co.uk

31 August 2005

BBC News website 30.08.05

Brian Willcock faces getting rid of his goats if the mast is installed

Residents in an East Sussex village are fighting a fifth application to site a mobile phone mast near their homes.

O2 wants to site a 20m (60ft) mast at Nutley in the Ashdown Forest, next to Humphrey's Farm, where Brian Willcock makes organic goats' milk and cheese.

Mr Willcock said if it was approved, the goats would have to go because of fears radiation could affect the milk.

O2 said it believed the site was the best choice in the locality and was chosen from a range of options.

Good coverage

The company said it had held consultations on the siting of the mast over several months.

At least 60 residents have sent letters to Wealden District Council opposing the mast.

They believe it conflicts with a planning document which states "any development in the High Weald must enhance and beautify the surrounding area".

Residents question whether the mast is needed, as there is already good mobile coverage in the area.

They say they have already defeated four similar applications for masts and are ready to fight again.

Mr Willcock said the proposed site for the mast was in a field 8-9m (24-27ft) from his kidding house.

"It is a highly dangerous place to put a mast," he said.

"The herd would have to go because we couldn't risk selling milk that might be altered. People buy it for health reasons."

This is local London 30.08.05

A TEENAGER is calling on residents to oppose an upgrade to a phone mast.

Laura Taylor, 14, says people living near the Vodafone mast at Barnehurst station have suffered health problems since it was put up in 1992.

She believes residents' nosebleeds, headaches and dizziness are directly liked to the 15ft-high mast.

Vodafone intends to make alterations, which do not require planning permission, to the phone mast to enable it to transmit 3G services.

Laura, of Windermere Road, Barnehurst, said: "To me it's too much of a coincidence residents have suffered these health problems ever since the mast was erected."

A 250-name petition has been organised and the Erith School pupil is calling on residents to get involved in the protest.

A Vodafone spokesman said: "There is no evidence of any adverse effects for mobile phone users under the recommended guidelines."

Omega this is not true. See under:
http://omega.twoday.net/topics/Wissenschaft+zu+Mobilfunk/ http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Cancer+Cluster
http://www.buergerwelle.de/body_science.html

August 30, 2005

O2 mobile phones

http://www.tom-watson.co.uk/archives/2005/08/o2_mobile_phone.html

I've been thinking more about the way O2 are treating my constituents. Frankly, they're refusing to mend their bridges. One of their operatives phoned me on Tuesday suggesting we meet. I said that there was little point. They know exactly what the situation is and the only way they are going to put things right is by removing the mast that is casting a shadow over the home of my poor constituent.

Why on earth are they doing this? That's a question, I've been asking myself over the last week. I think they know they've made a huge mess of this one and they're desperately looking for another site. They have to do this within six months anyway. My only conclusion is that they're playing for time.

This is still not good enough. The mast they put up is wrongly sited. At this point I can hear you asking yourself why I am so angry about this particular mast. All I can say is that you would be too. I'm going to get more photos of the site to show you later this week.

My thinking is this. The only way we're going to get this company (and Mr Kevin Hull) to get a move on is to give them more press exposure.

So I'm asking for your help with the "Shame on you O2" campaign. I have a plan that will mean that O2 mobile phones have more publicity than they have ever had before over a mast.

I could do with:

1. A logo - preferably with the words "shame on you O2" but I'll leave it up to you. I have to be able to put it on letterheads and stickers.

2. Images that I can reproduce and put on placards.

3. A blog skin.

We'll make this a competition. If you can do one of the above I'll empty the parliamentary goody box and award some prizes to the best ones.

Posted by tom at August 30, 2005 08:15 AM

August 26, 2005

The strangest thing about some organisations is that they spend all that money on advertising, PR, branding and sales and then they go and mess it all up by being rude, indolent and ignorant.

After writing to the Chief Executive of O2 about their outrageous disregard for the family life of my constituents,

http://www.expressandstar.com/articles/news/es/article_79141.php

I get a letter from a man called Mr Kevin Hull of telephone company O2 Acquisition Developments (whatever that is). Here's what he says:

"Thank you for your letter concerning the telecommunications installation reference above. Your views have been noted. We will respond in due course"

Not good enough Kevin Hull. Not good enough at all, Kevin.

My constituent wakes each morning to look 20 feet out of his window to see the monstrosity that you have erected without having the decency to consult him about it.

So here's my response to your non-response:

1. My visit to the 02 site yesterday

http://www.tom-watson.co.uk/archives/shame%20on%20you%20smaller%20.html

2. I have been invited to meet the Chief Executive of 02 when he visits my party conference next month. The first thing I will be demanding is that he answers my letter, the second will be "why is Kevin Hull of 02 acquisition developments so rude?"

3. I'm asking people to give you a little encouragement to get a move on by letting you know their views at your kevin.hull@02.com email address.

Posted by tom at August 26, 2005 12:52 PM

Aug 16, 2005

Express and Star West Midlands and Staffordshire

A mobile phone company was given a police guard to start work on replacing a controversial phone mast before dawn today.

The mast had been pulled down amid protests. Residents last week blocked the entrance to the site in Stone Cross, West Bromwich, when phone firm O2 arrived to replace the mast and workers were turned away.

But workers returned to Walsall Road at 4am yesterday with a police guard and erected a fence around the site in Walsall Road. Angry residents accused the company of "sneaking" onto the site to avoid any protests.

The residents have been backed by local MP Tom Watson who said the 60ft mast in Walsall Road was an eyesore.

Mr Watson said the phone firm had abused its emergency powers and added that he had written to O2's chief executive Peter Erskine to complain.

He said: "These powers are there to keep the phone networks up and running during genuine emergencies like the terrible events we have witnessed in London, not just to bypass the planning and consultation process.

"O2 should be ashamed of themselves for what they are doing."

Residents' campaigner Ric Keeling, said the actions of O2 were disgraceful.

"They came at 4am when they knew everyone would be in bed.

"How low can you get to have to use tactics like this?.

"This mast will be just 20ft from my house and of course we are all deeply worried over the effects it could have on children and even adults.

"Round two might have gone to the company but this matter is not over yet," added Mr Keeling.

O2 declined to comment but have now set up a "one-to-one meeting with residents on September 30.