Fresh appeal for mast relocation

Campaigners have launched a fresh appeal for a mobile telephone mast in Southwell to be removed.

The No Masts In Southwell campaign group hopes to persuade O2 to remove a 15ft mast at the Telephone Exchange on The Ropewalk.

The mast is close to homes, businesses and Lowe’s Wong infants’ and junior schools.

The group, which has had previous appeals rejected, hopes a report from the European Parliament, recommending mobile telephone masts be distanced from schools and health institutions, will convince O2 to remove the mast.

They say the report acknowledges the wide use of wireless technologies and other electromagnetic emitting technologies and their benefits to society, but also raises concerns over uncertainties about possible health risks.

In particular, the report raises concerns about the exposure of children and young people to electromagnetic fields.

A member of the campaign group, Mr Fraser McNish, said: “I am pleased that the European Parliament is taking this seriously.

“We believe that the mast on The Ropewalk has been poorly positioned and have attempted to work with O2 on many occasions in the past to look at alternative locations on the outskirts of the town.

“This report has strengthened our campaign and confirms our belief that residents and children in our community should not be exposed to electromagnetic fields until the scientific community can provide us with information so we can balance the risk ourselves.”

The campaign group has written to Mr Matthew Key, chief executive of O2, asking for the mast be relocated away from schools and homes.