Opposition to new mobile phone masts grows
Last updated at 07:13, Friday, 16 January 2009
PLANS for a 50ft mobile phone mast have been proposed for Seaton Rugby Club.
Telefónica O2 wants to erect the mast to improve network coverage.
The company has not formally applied to Allerdale council for planning permission and Seaton Parish Council will discuss the proposal on Monday.
Gary Warwick, 65, of nearby Fernleigh Drive, said: “I would say no. We are already having to look at windmills everywhere and I certainly don’t want to be able to see any masts. Who is going to want to look at that? We don’t even know what these things do to you.”
Kathleen Warwick, 64, said: “I wouldn’t want to be able to see an obstruction like that.”
A High Seaton resident, who did not want to be named, said: “I certainly would not want to see a mast like that in Seaton.
“I moved from Mason Street in Workington because of the mast they put there. I got sick of writing letters.
“The council are in an invidious position and don’t always have the kind of clout they would like on such a matter.”
A Telefónica O2 spokesman said: “We believe that this location offers the best solution to our clients’ requirements and should not greatly affect the surrounding area.”
Mobile phone company Vodafone has applied for permission to build two 40ft masts in Workington.
The new-generation 3G masts would be built in the car park of the Travellers Rest pub on High Street, and on Salterbeck Road.
Both applications will be considered by Allerdale council.
Allerdale councillor Carole Armstrong is concerned about a mast on Salterbeck Road.
She said: “I’m concerned about the visual impact and the health risks. I received a letter last Friday referring to all the correspondence we have had but this is the first I have heard about it. I don’t think residents even know about it.
“I don’t want a mast there. I’m not happy about it at all.”
A petition against the mast planned for the Travellers Rest was launched last month.
First published at 19:37, Thursday, 15 January 2009
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk
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The one on Mason Street caused loads of interference to the TV's and videos round about - still unresolved. We don't need more masts doing the same and spoiling the view into the bargain. The windmills are bad enough, especially the ones at Robin Rigg - should never have been allowed to happen!
Posted by Barbara Smith on 21 January 2009 at 18:31