«First  ‹Previous   Page 647 of 647 

Residents say no to phone mast
United Kingdom Created: 13 Feb 2007
A NUMBER of residents in Ilford braved torrential rain on Monday to protest against the activation of a mobile phone mast.

The mast sat dormant at the junction of Malvern Drive and Longbridge Road for around five years until O2 decided to switch it on last week, much to the outrage of people living nearby.

One said: "It was put up without notifying any of us accept for six flats and we got 300 signatures on a petition within 48 hours and they abandoned using it.

"Now they've decided to activate it."

James Stevenson, of O2, said: "When it was put up we didn't require it for the network. But now we do. BT engineers have been down to connect the wires and they will be back.
Click here to view the source article.
Source: Ilford Recorder, 12 Feb 2007

Phone mast goes up despite protest
United Kingdom Created: 13 Feb 2007
Bolton: A MOBILE phone mast is to be erected at Deane Golf Club despite objections from residents.
The 15 metre high Hutchison 3G mast at the course off Broadford Road has been approved by Bolton Council's planning and highways committee.
The company says the mast is necessary because phone signals in the area are currently of poor quality.
The application met international radiation guidelines but four residents had objected to the mast, raising fears over the possible health impact.
One, Anne Atherton, of Ashcott Close, said there were already masts nearby in Junction Road West, Beaumont Road and Broadgate Farm. "This proposed installation would significantly increase the radiation level," she said.
Cllrs David Wilkinson and Andy Morgan also cited concerns at a meeting of Bolton Council's planning and highways committee.
Cllr Wilkinson objected because the scheme will involve trimming the tops of trees, while Cllr Morgan said it could pose a risk to children at nearby Ladybridge Primary.
Other members disagreed however and the mast was voted through.
Cllr Bob Allen said: "We're not allowed to take health into consideration and it's green open space rather than green belt land."
Click here to view the source article.
Source: The Bolton News, 12 Feb 2007

Outcry over the city schools cashing in on mobile masts
Scotland Created: 13 Feb 2007
MORE Edinburgh schools are being paid to host mobile phone masts than anywhere else in Scotland, new figures have revealed.
Figures show four schools have received a total of £80,000 from mobile phone firms by agreeing to host transmitters on their roofs.
Living.scotsman.com MPUThe figures today sparked concerns from parents and politicians, who claim the impact of the masts on children's health is still unknown. But a spokeswoman for the city council said schools were free to choose whether to have masts, and insisted radiation levels were regularly checked.
Trinity Academy, Lismore Primary, Firrhill High and Portobello High are all said to have agreed to masts.
Gail Ross, of the Lismore Parents Action Group, said people in the area had been concerned about the O2 mast ever since it was erected. "We were always very worried about it," she said. "But we were assured that the kids would actually have to climb up there and sit right underneath it for a very long time before it could do any damage.
"The then headteacher said he had carried out inquiries and was sure it was safe, but I still don't think they should be in schools.
"In Lismore, there seems to have been a lot of kids with some form of dyslexia of late - that's very strange. And we've lost a horrendous number of people to cancer in this area in the last five to six years. I'm not saying there's a connection because we've been told there can't be, but it's very worrying."
Lismore has reportedly been paid £17,000 by O2; Trinity Academy has received £32,000 from T-Mobile and Orange. Orange has also handed over £16,333 to Portobello, while Firrhill has been paid £15,000 by O2.
Mark Ballard, Greens MSP in the Lothians, said not enough was known about the dangers of masts for them to be situated in schools. He said: "It's sad that schools are so desperate to raise income that they are forced to take phone masts when there are still questions about their impact, particularly on young children."
However, Dr Kevin O'Donnell, whose son started at Trinity Academy in September, said the children could actually be in the safest possible place.
"All the evidence suggests that there's nothing to be concerned about, so it's not something that worries me," said Dr O'Donnell, 44, from Trinity. There's no evidence of harm from phone masts, and even if there was, the safest place to be would be directly underneath in their shadow. Because the masts transmit outwards, the least affected place will be in the building directly below." According to information gathered by a national newspaper, schools in Stirling and Aberdeen also have masts, but Edinburgh has the largest number of any local authority in Scotland.
An Edinburgh City Council spokeswoman said: "Any request to place a phone mast in a school is passed on to the headteacher.
"They discuss it with the school board and if they agree to go ahead with it all the income goes directly to the school.
"The radiation levels are checked before they go in and then every six months by the city council to make sure there's not a problem.
"My understanding is they have always been below the limit."
Fiona Hyslop, SNP MSP for the Lothians, said: "When parliament looked at this several years ago, they said we should apply a cautionary principle when dealing with mobile phone masts because not enough is known about them.
"As a parent, I would not want a mobile phone mast over my own children's school."
Click here to view the source article.
Source: The Scotsman, GARETH ROSE,

Approval sends clear message on aerials
United Kingdom Created: 13 Feb 2007
Cambridge: EXTRA mobile phone aerials are set to be put up on a mast at Newmarket football ground, despite protests from residents.
People living near the mast at Newmarket Town Football Club objected to the new aerials and complained the radio wave transmissions would pose health risks.
But East Cambridgeshire District Council said potential health risks cannot be used as a reason for refusing permission.
The council's planning committee agreed the three additional aerials can be put on the 60ft mast, but that any other changes to the mast must be referred to them.
The mast has been at the centre of controversy since it was put up more than five years ago, when residents battled against it saying there could be associated health risks.
It was originally put up for the national police airwave radio system, and a further three aerials were added to the mast in 2003. A council bid to get them taken down was overruled when the mobile phone company O2 appealed against the council's decision.
Now 02 has been given permission for the new additions after arguing it had looked for alternative sites but could not find any viable ones.
Sites it looked at included the Icewell Hill flats in Newmarket, where Forest Heath District Council has ruled that it would not accept any new aerials. The BT telephone exchange in The Avenue, Newmarket, was also ruled out as being in a conservation area.
Other options included the Vodafone site in Exeter Road and the multi-storey car park in The Rookery, Newmarket.
Woodditton Parish Council, Crockfords Park Residents' Association and 12 individual residents objected to the new aerials, complaining about their "ugly" appearance as well as the health risks and the "blight" on house sales in the area.
Click here to view the source article.
Source: Cambridge Evening News, 12 Feb 2007

Startup targets mobile phone health hazards
Spain Created: 12 Feb 2007
BARCELONA, Spain — With the mobile communications industry's biggest annual bash just opened in Barcelona, a year old company tried to dampen proceedings by warning of the health dangers of wireless communications and suggested it has the technology and product to protect people from the potentially harmful effects of radiation emitted from mobile devices.

Exradia (London, England) used the GSM World Congress to tout its ASIC chip that is embedded in a mobile phone's battery to neutralize potentially harmful emissions from a mobile phones and other wireless devices.

The custom chip generates the noise field signal that drives a wire coil to produce the noise field itself.

"We own the patents on this technology and are working with design groups in the U.S. and equipment makers in China to bring to market this year our My Wi-Guard product which neutralises potentially harmful emissions from the mobile phone," Jim Lawler, CEO of Exradia told EE Times Europe .

Lawler cited recent work that implied health problems from the long-term use of mobile phones may create health problems. For instance, he mentioned that Professor Lawrie Challis, a world expert on mobile phone radiation and chairman of the U.K's mobile communications health research programme, is seeking a total of £3.1 million (about $6 million) from the Department of Health, and from the mobile network operators, to monitor 200,000 volunteers, including long-term users, for at least five years to plot mobile phone use against any serious diseases they develop, including cancer and Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.

He said there is a clear need for sensible risk management and that providing people with the choice to protect themselves would also safeguard the health of the industry. "Most major man-made causes of illnesses have taken more than a decade to become apparent," he warned. "This industry needs to raise its game about the freedom of being able to choose to protect themselves against the potential dangers."

Lawler suggested Exradia's technology seems to be the only scientifically proven patented solution to neutralize potentially harmful EMF emissions from electrical devices at source. It is based on Noise Field Technology, which superimposes a low frequency randomised magnetic field over the man-made regular electromagnetic field emissions generated by electronic equipment.

The added noise field results in both ELF and RF electromagnetic emissions generated by man-made devices appearing to living cells as irregular, mimicking the random low level electromagnetic fields, which tend to occur in nature. Randomized low level electromagnetic fields do not cause biological changes to human cells.

"This is like the air-bag for wireless," he suggested to EE times Europe .

Lawler would not name the company that developed the ASIC at the heart of its device, except to say it is based in California, nor its Chinese partner. He said the Nokia 6230 phone would be the first to deploy the battery incorporating its device, "and we are talking to several other tier 1 phone makers about this low-cost and simple solution."

He said the technology can be incorporated into products other than mobile phones, for instance the network cabling within offices or living spaces.

For now, product development is focusing on DECT phones, Wi-Fi laptops, wireless networks, Tetra radios, Bluetooth headsets, radio base stations and infrastructure within wireless offices and homes.

Placing the chip into the phone circuitry requires a power source and a means of triggering that is in some way proportional to the RF field generated by the phone. The battery uses current consumption as an indirect means to measure the RF levels.

In a statement sent to EE Times Europe , the company says: "Since the RF signal is being produced by the phone, it would appear to be reasonably straightforward to derive this measure from within the phone circuitry. A few external components are also required; two SOT23 transistors, two resistors and two capacitors (0603 or smaller)."
Click here to view the source article.
Source: EETimes Europe, John Walko, 12 Feb 2007

Mast bid reinstated by Government
United Kingdom Created: 12 Feb 2007
Campaigners fear an unwelcome precedent has been set after Government bosses overturned a council's refusal of a mobile phone mast.

Broadland District Council's refusal to allow mobile phone giant 02 to build a 12.5 metre mast on the verge in Dussindale Drive, Thorpe St Andrew, has been overturned on appeal.

The application was originally turned down by the council last year amid fears the mast would have a detrimental impact upon the character and appearance of the site, and upon neighbouring properties in Lynn Close and Newcastle Avenue.

Issue was also raised over safety concerns.

However, the planning inspectorate dismissed the refusal, stating there was little evidence to support health fears and that emissions from the mast would be within international guidelines.

Now campaigner Andy Street fears the decision will put more pressure on the authority to approve two other controversial plans.

T-Mobile wants to install a 12m mast, plus telecommunications equipment and cabinets, on the island at the junction of the Ring Road and Pound Lane, opposite Sainsbury's and a pre-application consultation on plans by Vodafone to put six dishes on the existing St William's Way mast, to improve its mobile phone network in the area, ended on Friday .

Mr Street, 69, of Eastern Avenue, Thorpe, said: “It puts more pressure on the council to approve these two new plans".

“In the future if there seems to be a need for a mast it will be very difficult for our council to turn it down, especially if it is going to get overturned in appeal".

“Our concern is that it is the commercial power of the phone mast companies and not the needs of these service users that are driving this. Health and the public's increased stress do not seem to matter. In a democracy we should go with the majority, and most people do not want more masts.”

Mr Street and other campaigners are urging people to attend Thorpe Council's planning committee meeting at the Dussindale centre in Pound Lane at 7.30pm tonight when the mast near Sainsbury's will be discussed.

Comments on either plan can be sent to Broadland District Council up until February 15.

The Evening News has campaigned against the installation of mobile phone masts near homes and schools until it is proved they are safe through our Put Masts on Hold campaign

Are you fighting against a mobile phone mast? Call reporter David Bale on 01603 772427 or e-mail david.bale2@archant.co.uk
Click here to view the source article.
Source: Evening News 24, DAVID BALE, 12 Feb 2007

PLANNING APPLICATIONS TURNED DOWN
United Kingdom Created: 11 Feb 2007
MOBILE phone mast protesters have won the latest round against a phone company which wants to install a mast in Hampden Park. Hutchinson 3G wanted to install a 12.5metre high mast on the public highway in Lindfield Road at its junction with The Broadway.
The planning application caused outrage among hundreds of residents, who put their names to a petition and wrote letters of objection urging councillors to throw the plans out.
They were concerned about the possible health hazards associated with mobile phone masts and said the area was highly populated with families with young children as well as local schools nearby.
Planners said the installation of the mast would be seriously detrimental to the visual amenities of the area and councillors sitting on the town's planning committee refused permission.
Click here to view the source article.
Source: Eastbourne Today, 11 Feb 2007

Residents urge telecom firm to find a new site
United Kingdom Created: 11 Feb 2007
CONTROVERSIAL plans for a new Tetra mast in Dorchester came under fire at a public meeting last night.
Around 200 residents packed the Corn Exchange to quiz radiation experts on the possible health risks and discuss concerns.
West Dorset MP Oliver Letwin vowed to help - but urged people to work together to fight the proposal.
Telecommunications firm Airwave O2 has applied to site a new Tetra mast on top of the Keep Military Museum in Bridport Road. If approved it will be used by the emergency services.
The plans have been recommended for approval by West Dorset District Council planners. But last night anxious residents made it clear the mast is not welcome.
Tony Bonnen, of Bridport Road, said he feared the real health risks would only become apparent in the future.
"I know people will think this is a case of 'not in my back yard', but surely a rural area would be more appropriate," he said.
Residents agreed, slamming the idea of erecting the mast so close to schools and Dorset County Hospital.
Hospital worker Liz Burden, whose two children attend Damers First School, said she was prepared to collect as many signatures as possible to stop the mast.
But others feared the scheme would be a 'whitewash' and win approval despite objections.
Councillor David Barrett, who organised the meeting with Coun cillor Leslie Phillips, said he was concerned for the welfare of Dorchester's people.
He urged everybody concerned to sign a petition - already boasting 400 signatures - and write to Mr Letwin.
To rapturous applause, Coun Phillips declared: "We don't want it here. I hope the members of the planning committee will make the right decision."
Residents listened to microwave research expert Barrie Trower and Radiation Research Trust chairman Mike Bell outline what they said were the possible health risks. Mr Trower said: "I'd say with scientific certainty if this mast goes up here, there'll be a three to four-fold increase of at least eight types of cancer. If you asked me to put money on that, I'd put everything I've got on it."
Mr Trower said women, children, the sick and elderly would be affected first. Possible symptoms ranged from depression to skin disorders, he claimed.
Mr Bell said: "I think tolerance and sense should apply. Surely there's another more suitable spot for it."
Mr Letwin recommended taking the less risky' option of opposing the mast.
"I hope it'll turn out that we needn't have worried," he said. "But in the meanwhile it'd pay to be cautious."
He stressed the importance of considering alternative sites for the mast that may have been overlooked by Airwave O2 for commercial reasons.
While he described Tetra as valuable technology', Mr Letwin acknowledged the risks and urged people to keep on fighting.
"It makes abundant sense to see if there's somewhere else out of the way," he added.
"Don't think this is an unstoppable juggernaut we can't have any effect on. But I can't do it alone - unless we work together we won't achieve anything."
No representatives from Airwave O2 were present at the meeting.
The planning application for the mast goes before the council's Development Control East committee on Thursday.
Click here to view the source article.
Source: Dorset Echo, Ian McDonald, 10 Feb 2006

Boycott threat for school over telephone mast
United Kingdom Created: 9 Feb 2007
Hampstead & Highgate: WORRIED parents have threatened to take their children out of a £10,000-a-year private school because of health fears over a mobile phone mast.

Mothers of boys at The Hall in Hampstead are outraged that O2 has won permission for a phone mast on Buckland Court, Belsize Park, just metres from the junior school.

They have accused the company of sneaking the mast in - after Camden Council planning officers approved the scheme in November without telling parents.

Justine Harris, who works at Jewish Care in Golders Green, is one of the angry mothers.

She said: "Many parents are very concerned about it and are considering moving their children if it is installed.

"This is not what anyone wants. O2 got permission in December without anyone knowing about it.

"This area has the highest proportion of schools in the country and I don't think its right to put in a phone mast here. They really did sneak it in."

Parents have started a letter campaign to O2 and are meeting staff to discuss the issue tonight.

Nicola Gee has two sons at the school, Marcus and William, and another, Simon, who previously attended.

She wrote: "I'm amazed that the phone mast could actually be going ahead. Having been a Hall parent for nearly eight years, with a possible further eight years ahead if Simon's younger brothers continue to attend the school, the potential of a phone mast is a major concern.

"I completed a degree in biology, followed by an MSc, and am fully aware that the long-term consequences of any study can never be fully determined until the next generation has reached adulthood.

"On that basis, it is impossible to know the long-term effects a phone mast could have on our young children.

"I would therefore seriously consider looking at alternative schools for Marcus and William, if the phone mast were to go ahead.

"This is despite the fact I am a great fan of The Hall School. Simon has had the best education and experience I could ever have hoped for."

An O2 spokesman said: "We have full planning permission for this one. We would ask people not to be too concerned about it. On the next block from where we are T-Mobile has a site and we are replicating what they have.

"There won't be any increase in emissions from the site than what's coming now."

Hall Headmaster Philip Lough was unavailable for comment.
Click here to view the source article.
Source: Ham & High, Katie Davies,08 Feb 2007

People power wins in phone mast battle
United Kingdom Created: 9 Feb 2007
London: A MASS public outcry has pole-axed plans for a 10-metre mobile phone mast in Limehouse.
Residents flooded Tower Hamlets Council with 107 objections when plans for the T-Mobile antenna were revealed at Christmas.
And the council's development committee rejected the application last Wednesday (January 30), claiming the mast was of "poor design".
The slimline pole was to be constructed off Branch Road to improve the "poor quality" reception in the area. It was also designed to cater for the next-generation 3G network, which allows users to watch video, browse the internet and listen to music on their phones.
But residents complained en masse about the "eyesore" after they were tipped off by a fellow resident.

And council planners blocked the scheme last week, claiming the design "failed to respect the character and appearance of the Limehouse Basin".
The board said: "The proposed 10-metre monopole - by reason of its poor design, excessive height and prominent siting - would appear incongruous to the site and setting as a whole."
Blackwall and Cubitt Town councillor Tim Archer claimed the mast was "totally wrong for the marina and would have stuck out like a sore thumb".
He said: "It just goes to show that when residents' voices are loud enough we can get the council to listen to us - occasionally."
T-Mobile had claimed it had chosen to position the antenna on British Waterways land in Limehouse Basin after an "exhaustive site search", and that "no other site share opportunities were available".
A spokesperson for the phone company said: "We will study the refusal and look at the options for the future.
"We're looking to provide a quality service in that area, and we thought we had struck a balance between the needs of the network and the concerns of the residents. It seems the council thought differently."
But Victory Place Residents Association chairman Donald Davies said: "It was quite interesting that they rejected it on aesthetic grounds.
"We just hope now that they don't set one up somewhere else not too far away."
Click here to view the source article.
Source: The Wharf, John Hill, 08 Feb 2007

«First  ‹Previous   Page 647 of 647