Vince Cable

Parents at St Edmund's Primary in Whitton, and local residents in Ashdale Close, are furious that another telecoms company (Orange) is proposing to put a telecoms mast on the roof of the local telephone exchange bearing directly into the school under 100 yards away.

The last addition to the collection of masts on the roof produced a debate in parliament and strong protests to the council which approved it. The protestors are getting up a fresh petition.

MP Vincent Cable, who is supporting the parents and residents, said that: "the planning system is strongly biased against the objectors since the health factors are not in themselves a reason for refusing a mast and in this area there are no strong planning objections."

"There is however an entirely legitimate concern over young children facing already relatively high exposure (the measurements are 20% higher at one side of St Edmund's that the other). New scientific work is raising more doubts about whether this is safe. Moreover there are two school within 100 yards (St Edmund's and Nelson). In the US and much of western Europe this would simply not be allowed".

"Although it will be difficult to have this mast refused under current

planning rules, it is important for the public to continue to protest to the council and the government; otherwise it will just be assumed that they are happy with what is happening".

Contact: Councillor Bob King 8898 1556