Stop being so nice in mast battles


03 February 2005 11:43

Mobile phone mast campaigners were today called to arms by a Norwich MP who said it was time for protesters to get tougher to stop masts being installed near homes and schools.

Dr Ian Gibson, Norwich North MP, said campaigners have been too "nice" in their campaign against the telecommunication giants.

"Politeness doesn't seem to be paying off so they are going to have to think of some novel ways to get their point of views over to people not prepared to listen to their concerns and worries," said Dr Gibson.

"Perhaps they have been too nice and probably now it is time to take more militant action."

Dr Gibson said that he could not tell people what to do and it was for them to decide how they take on these applications.

"It's time we brought it all to a head," he said. "I think the people I meet who are angry about the phone masts are reasonable, good citizens, who feel their case is being disregarded without proper consideration.

"We're now at the stage as to how we can work together to bring about a reasonable solution to the increasing problem."

Dr Gibson's views were mirrored by campaigners from across the county.

Jim Leathers, 72, who lives with his wife Eileen in Norwich Road, Thurton, near Loddon fought an unsuccessful battle with Orange to prevent an eight metre mast going up.

"These companies have got so much money they can do what they like — it's not on. They want taking down a peg or two. One or two people suggested to me that we get a big tractor and pull this mast down — the trouble is I'm right on the spot and would be the first suspect."

David Shailer, from Montcalm Road, Thorpe Hamlet, who has opposed an application for yet another antenna on the Mousehold water tower, said protesters needed more guidance about campaigns: "The only way we can fight them is getting through the courts and through the council."

Graham Barker, a campaigner from Lloyd Road, Taverham, said they had no intention of giving up their protests against the replacement mast on Fakenham Road.

"What does he mean by tough? We're far from nice, believe me," said Mr Barker, who added the protest group had taken up their case with the Ombudsman, planning inspectorate and Vodafone.

The Evening News has campaigned since December 2000 against the installation of mobile phone masts near homes and schools until it is proved they are safe.

Ü Are you battling a mobile phone mast application? Call Evening News reporter Peter Walsh on (01603) 772439 or

e-mail peter.walsh@archant.co.uk

Email A Friend

News: Latest headlines on Evening News 24