Phone mast protesters in Melton determined to sit tight
Residents staging a live-in protest against a phone mast fear they will end up having Christmas dinner in their on-site caravan.
Campaigners have been living in the caravan at the corner of Grange Drive and Sapcote Drive, Melton, for nine months. It is next to the spot where Vodafone plans to put up a 30ft mast.
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ynne Hughes, left, and June Cox, with fellow Grange Drive mast protesters, who are prepared to stay and fight
The protesters had been hoping to persuade Melton Borough Council to revoke planning permission.
However, a senior planning officer's recommendation to a meeting of the council's development committee tomorrow is not to do so.
Protester Lyn Summerland said: "We joked when we began the protest that we might be having our turkey here. It might not be a joke any more.
"Christmas isn't far away and we're certainly not moving. I'm fuming about the recommendation not to revoke permission.
"It's hiding behind legislation and backtracking."
Lynne Hughes said: "We're not going anywhere."
The protesters had hoped to persuade the council that granting the application failed to meet a precautionary approach under planning guidelines and that insufficient weight had been given to health issues.
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by jane, asfordby
Friday, October 16 2009, 2:54PM
“ianr i dont no if you no this but all this is old news now it appeares to me if more people off your est got behind the fab guys in the van thay woudent be there now eyesore as well but this is only my opinion after all please turn the next page thank you”
by ianr, melton
Friday, October 16 2009, 1:55PM
“Lynne,
Will you please stop saying as you have done in the article in this weeks Melton Times that you represent the people of the Grange Drive estate.
You do not, as you have not canvassed all the people who live there at any time.
All you have done is site the caravan and waited for people to come to you.”
by ianr, melton
Thursday, October 15 2009, 11:27AM
“Lynne,
Is there any prospect at all of any of you unhealthy people going round knocking on doors by the way or do you still maintain that it is up to me to put myself out and visit you.
I will be putting a poster up saying I want the mast in my car so you will be able to see who I am, will that help.”
by JE, Bristol
Thursday, October 15 2009, 10:26AM
“Kulgan you argument is meaningless. We all have our rubbish bins collected but none of us would want a rubbish tip next to our house. Is that hypocracy?
I don't own a mobile and I use an internet land line because I know how harmful these radiation emissions are. Mobile phones are an increasing part of life. We are not against this technology. People who use a mobile phone do so by personal choice. With regard to base stations and masts however, locals (especially children) do not have a choice about usage. Therefore those who live or go to school near to a mast are not able to give their informed 'consent' to accepting a serious health risk.
The harmful effects of this unsafe technology is a time bomb which the telecoms industry is trying to obscure, just like the tobacco industry did with the harm caused by smoking. Phone masts should not be sited within 350 metres of schools or housing. Unless the public starts to stand up for their health, we will see a lot of deaths before the government and phone operators have to admit the damage this technology is causing. Many of us are minimising our use of mobile and cordless phones, and removing wifi and other wireless technology so as to reduce our risks, despite the inconvenience, because the health risks are so significant. Siting phone masts next to housing and schools is scandalous.”
by Kulgan, Crydee
Thursday, October 15 2009, 10:21AM
“Rich,
If you had actually read my first post then the following posts are expand on the first and in response to posts.
Therefore, the point is not nugatory, but you're entitled your opinion.”