Bikers say no to pub phone mast

Bikers and pensioners outside the Edward VII pub in Aylsham Road.

05 March 2007 09:08

Bikers protesting against plans for a controversial mobile phone mast outside a pub and near homes have found an unlikely ally in a group of pensioners.

Dozens of leather-clad bikers and their gleaming machines turned up for a protest against proposals by T-Mobile to build a mast next to the King Edward VII pub in Aylsham Road, Norwich.

But joining forces with the bikers, pub regulars, and neighbours, were pensioners from the nearby Edmund Bacon Court residential complex, also in Aylsham Road.

At the weekend they stood united in their opposition to the mast in the pub's car park with cards pleading No Mast Here Please.

Trevor Elphick, 72, who has lived at Edmund Bacon Court for the past three years, said: “I think they've got to put a stop to it, it's getting out of control - we will soon have more masts than lampposts.”

Jack Stewart, 77, who has been at the complex with his wife June for three years, said he was supporting the protest for people at Edmund Bacon Court who wore pacemakers. “They're a bit worried that it could do them some harm - we're told it won't but it might do,” he said.

The campaign against the mast, which will be opposite a 12-apartment development which has yet to be built, has attracted almost 400 signatures.

Vicki Smith, 34, landlord of the King Edward VII pub, said the mast would not only be out of keeping with the character of the area, but would endanger the safety of motorists and bikers trying to leave the car park on to the busy Aylsham Road.

“Putting something else on the pavement will make visibility for people coming out of the car park even worse,” she said.

Mile Cross councillor and Norwich City Council leader Steve Morphew, who helped to organise the demonstration, said the mast was not welcome in the area.

“The mast would obscure a traditional pub and equipment would block up access which is used for motorbikes,” he said.

Last month the Evening News reported how a T-Mobile spokesman said the mast was needed to provide a “quality service” in the area.

Are you fighting a mobile phone mast where you live? Call Peter Walsh on 01603 772439 or e-mail peter.walsh@archant.co.uk

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