Fury over 02 plans for 12-metre phone mast

RESIDENTS have blasted plans to put up a mobile phone mast just yards from a community centre and close to four schools.

Operator O2 first submitted plans for a giant 15-metre mast near the Arc Community Centre, Abbeyhills, a few weeks ago.

But it was withdrawn following a petition by more than 100 residents objecting to the proposal.

Now the applicant has submitted new plans to the council for a shorter, 12-metre, mast.

But Faye Mills, chairman of the Arc Community Centre and secretary for the residents’ and tenants’ association in Abbeyhills, has vowed to fight on.

She explained: “O2 want to erect the mast in a highly populated area where there’s a lot of children.

“The residents are up in arms about it. Why put it on a main road? Why can’t they find an alternative place for it, away from people?

“I have no objection in general to a mast, I have a mobile phone like many others, but it shouldn’t be in a residential area just 20 yards from a community centre used by lots of children and pensioners, nor near schools.

“It’s not been proven that they cause harm, but it’s not proven that they don’t so why take the risk? It’s silly and disgusting.”

She added: “It is hard work getting a petition together every time so I will be suggesting to the council they use the first one because we feel strongly about this no matter what height is proposed.”

Schools Breeze Hill, St Hugh’s and Roundthorn are all within a few hundred yards of the proposed mast.

Faye called on MP Phil Woolas to back residents’ objections and he had promised his support

A council spokesman confirmed it had received a revised planning application for a mobile phone mast on Abbeyhills Road and said: “We are aware that planning applications for mobile phone mast can cause concerns for people, especially when the intended site is close to a school or community facilities.

“We always assess planning applications on their merits and will take any objections into account before any final decision is made.”