World expert listens to mast fears


11 December 2004 11:33

SIR William Stewart, a world expert on mast radiation, travelled to Norwich to hear the concerns of more than 60 mobile phone mast campaigners.

People from as far afield as Brighton braved the cold to be at Norwich City College to hear what Sir William, author of the Government-sponsored report into the health risks of mobile phones in 2000, had to say about the latest developments in phone mast research.

Sir William, chairman of the Health Protection Agency, said he would be publishing his latest report into the effects of mobile phone masts early next year.

"First of all the reason for coming here was to hear what the people of Norwich had to say," said Sir William, who was invited to the meeting by Norwich North MP Dr Ian Gibson.

"It's no good sitting in an office, we've got to get out into the community to hear what they've got to say.

"There was a lot of information coming across to us, most of it we had heard before, but some was being re-emphasised. I will take that away and take account of the issues that came up."

Campaigners at the meeting, which was chaired by Evening News editor David Bourn, heard that the last Stewart Report came about as a result of public concern about mobile phones.

In 1990 there were just five million mobile phones throughout the entire country.

But by 2004 that figure had jumped to 50 million being powered by some 40,000 base stations which included typical Macro Cell base stations, to smaller Micro Cell base stations, and even smaller Pico Cell base stations.

The Evening News launched its Put Masts on Hold campaign three years ago to protect the growing number of people who were becoming concerned about mobile phone masts.

"Our message is a very simple one. We want a moratorium on masts near homes and schools until they are given a clean bill of health," said Mr Bourn.

"All we want is answers to the health and safety fears that still surround these masts."

Dr Gibson said an all-party group had been formed in Parliament to look at mobile phone masts and produce a report.

"There is a mass movement of interest and concern about this issue," said Dr Gibson. "The concern will not go away. It's growing in this country and in other parts of the world.

"We've got to the point now where we're going to put real pressure on council's to make sure there's proper consultation."

A number of campaigners, many from other parts of the country, were given the chance to voice their concerns about masts through their own stories.

Matthew Pennington, from Yarmouth Road, North Walsham, started a campaign against the controversial TETRA Airwave mast installed on North Walsham police station in February.

He told the meeting that "quite a large number of people" fell ill after the mast, which recently had a stop notice served on it, was put up.

Ed Bober, a fellow campaigner from Yarmouth Road, said: "I think what we need is a new set of legislation that deals with planning applications in relation to radiation technology."

Pat Gowen, a radiation expert from Hellesdon, said he was "very, very concerned" about the ability of the local authority to tackle phone companies at present.

"It's ridiculous that a council can refuse a mast on aesthetic impact if it's greater than 10 metres in height," said Mr Gowen. "If a company reduces the height it increases the amount of radiation to the people around it."

Peter Harwood, Norfolk County Councillor for Woodside division, said: "We must protect the children and must ensure alternatives are in place when a company wants to put a mast next to a school.

"It's the most stupid place to put a mast if there's any risk at all, they are a highly vulnerable group."

Graham Barker, who lives on Lloyd Road, Taverham in the shadow of a controversial Vodafone mast, said the meeting was "excellent" and a "real eye opener".

He wanted to see greater consistency in planning decisions and on planning appeals.

Mike Bell, chairman of the Radiation Research Trust, hinted that there could be an amendment to planning guidance next spring.

"It's given me more wind in my sails," said Mr Bourn who pledged that the Evening News would continue in its campaign against the installation of mobile phone masts near homes and schools.

"Those in communities in our circulation area that have problems with mobile phone masts don't hesitate to pick up the phone. We will pick up the cudgels and help you fight."

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