Families joy as mast is rejected


14 June 2004 11:56

CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating after the communications giant O2 was ordered to remove a controversial mobile phone mast.

North Norfolk District Council has served a stop notice on the Tetra mast above the police station in North Walsham, which means transmissions must end in three days and and the mast must be removed within 28.

In a private meeting of the council's joint development committee, members shared the health concerns from families living in Yarmouth Road and issued the notice at the risk of a heavy financial penalty. It follows an appeal by O2 Airwave over refusal of planning permission and enforcement action on the antennae, intended for a new Norfolk police communications system.

Catherine Wilkins, committee chairwoman, said all members were concerned about O2's lack of action to find an alternative site. "There are so many people in North Walsham who are petrified of the transmitter and dialogue from O2 has not been very good. We feel the stop notice will bring the matter to a head," she said.

She added the decision would have no impact on police communications because the Tetra system was only at a trial stage.

Mother-of-two Anna Gill, who has been leading the North Walsham Cats (Campaign Against Tetra Siting) said the stop notice was marvellous news.

"All the local people are very pleased. We feared that the longer it stayed up, the more likely it would stay. We know the planning committee has not taken this decision lightly."

Families have complained of more headaches, nosebleeds, migraines, skin rashes and sleep disorders since the mast was turned on without planning permission in February.

The district council would face a compensation bill if a planning inspectorate were to find in favour of the telecom-munications firm at a future appeal hearing.

Claire Parker, spokeswoman for O2 Airwave, said the company would read the wording of the enforcement notice before taking action, but would comply with any legal requirements. She added alternative sites were being looked at and radiation levels from Tetra equipment did not pose a health risk.

The Evening News has been campaigning since 2001 for a halt to new masts being put up near homes and schools until more is known about the possible health risks.

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