Families urged to speak out against
mast
Norwich Evening News, Norwich, UK
May 14, 2003
CAMPAIGNERS have asked families concerned about the expansion of
a phone mast near a primary school to back their fight against the
plans.
A growing number of people have added their names to a list of complainants
who want to stop the mast being expanded next to St William's Primary
School, in Thorpe St Andrew. Parents have vowed to oppose the plans
for the mast expansion over fears about the possible health risks
to youngsters.
Peter Allen, who lives in St William's Way, said people still needed
to make their voices heard even though it had seemed to have little
impact over past applications.
He said: "It seems that no matter how many letters are written
and objections are made countrywide, telephone companies obviously
take no notice of families’ or schools' fears about harmful
emissions that may be invading us, not to mention the visual impact
on the surrounding area."
He and others living in the area have written to Broadland Council
opposing the latest application. The extension plans were tabled
by Norfolk County Council, which wants it used as part of its electrical
public transport link.
Mr Allen said: "We recently attended a meeting at which Norwich
North MP Ian Gibson spoke. He told us our fears were real, but that
he felt very little action could be taken in areas that already had
masts."
Mum-of-two, Andrea Palmer, who has a five-year-old daughter at the
school, said: "They can't prove there is a danger to our children,
but they certainly can't prove there isn't either. Even if this is
nothing to do with mobile phones, we should still be concerned about
the impact."
Melanie Williams, whose son is due to start at St William's this
September, said people needed to make a stand. “I would not
be happy if no one opposed this. It would give a green light to councils
that they could put these up wherever they felt like it."
Jan Barnes, headteacher at St William's, said: "It is the school's
policy to oppose things like this and this is done through the governors.
However, there is no proof the mast does not harm and this is a concern."
© Norwich Evening News 2003
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