Help me to put a stop to mast bid


29 November 2005 12:18

Families are being urged to back a campaign against a mobile phone mast earmarked for installation just metres from homes.

Phone giant 3G is consulting people in Lakenham about putting a mobile phone mast on top of St John's Church in Howard Road. The proposed mast would be about 100 metres from the back garden of mother-of-two Naomi Leeder, 27.

She has started a petition against the plans and has collected about 150 signatures.

Mrs Leeder, of Osbert Close, said: "If it goes up, I will be moving. My eldest, six-year-old Rose, has only got one kidney and my three-year-old, Charlotte, has chronic asthma and eczema, so I don't want any more health risks on my doorstep."

Mrs Leeder, who lives with her husband Jamie, also 27, a taxi driver, added: "I've got a mobile phone and I'm not totally against it. I just don't want it so near my house," she said. "There are already about four other masts in the area, so I cannot see why they need another one." She has trawled the internet for more information about the health risks of living near mobile phone masts, which has increased her anxieties. "The main risk is cancer, which it says on the internet you are 10 times more likely to get, for women and children, and four times for men, if you live close to the masts," she said.

Mike Davies, community affairs manager at Hutchison 3G, said: "Our network has limitations and this site is designed to cover an area where some of those limitations are. All the science and evidence is plain that there are no health risks from this technology.

"Using a church has an advantage as it gives a revenue stream which can benefit the community."

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

Dr Ian Gibson, Norwich North MP, and long-time supporter of our campaign, said: "Do they never learn? They are making themselves so unpopular with the public. Hopefully, this time, as they have asked for consultations with the people in the area, the people will put a stop to it."

If you would like to sign the petition, contact Mrs Leeder on (01603) 616248.

Ü Are you fighting a mobile phone mast application? Call David Bale on 01603 772427 or e-mail david.bale2@archant.co.uk

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