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Sutherland:
Scotland Created: 17 Jul 2005
Coming soon.

West Lothian:
Scotland Created: 17 Jul 2005
Coming soon.

Wigtownshire:
Scotland Created: 17 Jul 2005
Coming soon.

National Assambly
Wales Created: 13 Jul 2005
Welsh national Assembly Speach on TETRA

Bourne: Tetra – the case for control
The Conservative

Speech to the National Assembly for Wales.
"Tetra, or terrestrial trunked radio, the digital cell phone system that the Government has chosen for the police, has been causing anxieties since the masts started to be erected to support the system in 2001.
Tetra, like mobile phone systems, uses masts or base stations. The advantages of the system for the police are well known.
The system offers the user fairly secure communications that, like all other digital radio technologies, deliver clear speech.
It allows users to talk in a group with radios, and to talk to other users with similar digital systems elsewhere.
It has a help button that enables the user to
call for assistance very quickly. Other facilities, such as the ability to look up police computer information, are said to be possible in the future.
Without doubt, there are many advantages to the system. However, there are also associated potential health risks related to the signal strength and
associated electromagnetic fields.
Tetra technology has not been tested to ascertain whether it is safe over the medium or long term. It is a microwave system, like ordinary mobile phones,
but the masts talk to each other directly, and, unlike mobile phone masts, they transmit 24 hours a day.
Signals are sent in pulses or bursts, which are transmitted at a frequency that coincides with the electrical frequency of the human brain in its waking state.
Its amplitude is modulated at a rate of 1765 Hz, very close to the beta waves of the human brain, which pulse at 16 Hz. It has the potential to interfere with, and overwhelm, normal bodily functions
This may sound terribly Dr Who, but systems that pulse at a similar frequency to Tetra were investigated for their potential as non-lethal weapons by
the US during the cold war.
Tetra has been known to have an effect on pacemakers, baby alarms, medical equipment—including first aid heart defibrillators—and vehicle electronics.
I know that Assembly Members from all parties have some of these concerns.
Although much research has to be done on the siting of masts, the potential risk cannot be ignored, and must be factored in to any consideration on
the siting of the masts.
It is the issue that is of primary concern to me in this debate. At the moment, the stringent planning conditions that apply to other forms of construction
do not apply to Tetra phone masts.
Assembly planning guidance Technical Advice Note 19 sets out guidance on the siting of the masts and the specific situations where planning permission
is not needed.
One of these exemptions is where the height of the mast is less than 15m. Importantly, this also applies where such a mast is placed on top of an existing building.
This loophole, as I see it, has recently been exposed by a case in Haverfordwest. I have had a great deal of correspondence on the matter, as have other Assembly Members.
I am sure that some other suitable location could be found for this Tetra mast. It should not be sited on top of a police station in the centre of a busy town.
The police station is right in the centre of Haverfordwest, in probably the most densely populated area in the county, and is in close proximity to eight schools, seven of which are primary schools, and one of which is a special needs school.
Parents and concerned residents in the town are campaigning hard for the removal of the mast, and I strongly support them, as do others.
Stephen Crabb, the MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire, with whom I am working closely on the issue, told me that Tetra has been the biggest single component
of his mail bag since he was elected in early May—such is the concern about the issue.
We have both written, as I know have others, to the managing director of O2 Airwaves, which is responsible for the mast, asking for it to be moved or
turned off until such a time as it can be agreed that the mast be sited elsewhere.
Unfortunately, this request did not get very far, to say the least.
It is fair to say that there is no illegality involved. Local authorities and the company have complied with the law.
They are following Assembly Government guidance, clearly illustrated in a letter that I received in May from Pembrokeshire County Council, which said that
if the telecommunications equipment complies with International Commission for Non-ionising Radiation Protection guidelines on power emissions,
it should not be necessary for a local planning authority, in processing an application for planning permission or prior approval, to consider further
health aspects and concerns about them.
In my opinion, that is totally wrong—not legally, but in terms of common sense and morality.
Masts under 15m should be subject to the same planning considerations as those above that height, but, in all cases, I am keen to see a change
in the planning system so that proper account is taken of health considerations at the planning stage, which does not happen at the moment.
The lack of public consultation is naturally a major cause of grievance in people who suffer a loss of amenity when masts are erected without adequate consultation.
I consider, as do others, the current situation to be unacceptable. This is, of course, not only a matter of health risks. There is the problem that the siting
of base stations, particularly masts, can result in a loss of amenity and almost certainly a reduction in the value of property
Furthermore, the frustrations and concerns have a negative effect on people's health and wellbeing.
A mapping exercise should be undertaken in each local authority area to ascertain the most appropriate sites for masts away from residential developments,
like Usmeston on the outskirsts of Haverfordwest, which is being considered and has been the subject of unsuccessful applications in the past.
They should certainly be sited away from schools, but schools in Haverfordwest are affected by the mast on the police station. I know that that has been a concern elsewhere in Wales.
Stewart conducted a review of the position on mobile and Tetra masts, and I strongly support many of the findings. For example, it recommended that a
national register of base stations should be established

Anglesey
Wales Created: 11 Jul 2005
Holyhead and Anglesea:
O2 renews bid for phone mast Jun 2 2005
OBJECTORS to plans for a mobile phone mast near their homes are being urged to speak up.
Phone giants O2 have made a second bid to set up a major mast near the Shell Garage on Vale Road in Rhyl.
A previous bid last year was refused by Denbighshire County Council.
Vale of Clwyd MP Chris Ruane, who says there is wide opposition to the plans, is urging opposers to have their say before June 9.
Created: 2 Jun 2005 Holyhead and Anglesea Mail

Brecknockshire
Wales Created: 11 Jul 2005
Coming soon.

Caernarfonshire
Wales Created: 11 Jul 2005
Coming soon.

Cardiganshire
Wales Created: 11 Jul 2005
Protests could force rethink over hospital phone mast

HEALTH officials who faced furious criticism after telling a mobile phones company it could put a base-station on the roof of Bronglais Hospital this week
came under renewed pressure to cancel the deal Ceredigion and Mid Wales NHS Trust were targeted by angry residents and Ceredigion MP Mark Williams
after it was revealed it gave the go-ahead to phones company 3 despite a new study warning that radiation from base-stations affects brain-waves and can seriously damage health. Hundreds of residents living close to the hospital were this week backed by Ceredigion AM Elin Jones, who demanded the trust immediately cancel its contract with 3 because of continuing uncertainty over the safety of base-stations. She said she had been contacted by many
“worried” people living in the area who feared their health could be at risk if the plan went ahead. Trust chief executive Allison Williams has refused to
reveal how much the trust - which is £1.1 million in the red - will earn from the phones deal, and has admitted that the trust board was not told of the agreement, despite known public concerns about the safety of mobiles technology. She has hinted that, if protests continue, officials will consider cancelling the contract with 3. St David’s Road residents said there was widespread public concern about the mast proposal and protested that they had not been consulted about the plan. A residents association this week told Ms Williams: “It is a cause for concern that we have not been consulted on this matter, especially as accountability and transparency should be expected of a publicly-funded body. “In our view it is particularly inappropriate that a hospital should be promoting technology with which there are health concerns. We would ask that you seriously reconsider this decision.” 3 has insisted there is no “general” risk to the health of people
living or working near base-stations. But the company was involved in new controversy after planners admitted a temporary mast in a farmers co-op yard at Parcyllyn was unauthorised. Officials could face criticism after saying 3 would not be told to dismantle the mast because the firm had now made a planning application. Trefechan residents celebrated after Ceredigion planning councillors voted unanimously to refuse a bid for a 12-metre Orange mobile phones mast
in the old Welsh Brewers yard following protests.
But a mobiles mast in a lay-by at the Waunfawr junction at the top of Penglais Hill w a s approved.
It will be the third in the immediate area and will be only 300 metres f r o m P e n g l a i s school.
Aberystwyth Today 20.07.05

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Aberystwyth
Anger over surprise appearance of mast

A MOBILE phone company which unlawfully put up a mast in Aberystwyth last week has spoken of its plans to put another on top of Bronglais hospital. The movements of Hutchison 3G came to light last week after Llanbadarn councillor Paul James started to investigate concerns of residents. The company erected a 15-metre mast in the yard of Clynderwen and Cardiganshire Farmers store at Parc-y-Llyn overnight on Tuesday without planning permission. Cllr James described the company as “mid-night commandos,” and their actions as “very cloak and dagger” and officials in Ceredigion County Council’s Planning Department were baffled by the sudden appearance. Hutchison 3G revealed late on Wednesday that they had not applied for planning permis-sion but intended to. A spokesperson for the company also spoke of their plans to erect two other masts in the town, one on the roof of Bronglais Hospital and another on the town’s police station. Verity Stanford of Hutchison 3G said: “The current mast site is a temporary one, but we are hoping to install two permanent masts in the town in the coming months. “The company has acted in a reasonable fashion in order to secure a temporary site in the area, we are submitting a planning appli-cation which will allow local residents to put their views on our proposal to the local plan-ning authority.” “A four-metre mast at Bronglais hospital we have planning for and there are plans for another at the police station, which we are in discussions for. “We will be applying for retrospective plan-ning permission on the temporary site. “It is important that we have a mast in the town as our customers currently have a limited service and cannot make data calls in Aberystwyth.” Cllr James responded: “Their actions are not responsible, in fact they are very irresponsible. “There is a lot of skullduggery going on. They are like midnight commandos, coming under the cover of darkness and erecting this mast.” Senior Planning Officer for Ceredigion County Council said of the temporary mast: “This was only brought to our attention on Wednesday. “This is classed as an un-authorised develop-ment and we do have powers to remove the mast. An enforcement officer from the council will visit the site and report back to us before a decision is made.” One nearby resident, Ifor Jones, who lives in Maes Mawr spoke of his disgust this week. “They can’t be able to get away with this, I am utterly disgusted. “It is so close to our houses and to Penwed-dig school, people are just dumb-founded. “It is an eye-sore and then there are the reported health issues. What I want to know is what the affects are in ten years time from living so close to a mast. “I noticed the mast on Wednesday morning and phoned Cllr Paul James immediately, he was down here in seconds.” Cllr James added: “My phone has been ring-ing itself off the hook from angry residents since this mast was put up. “The way it has been done it’s very under-handed. “I have spoken to the Farmers’ store and they seemed to be under the impression that Hutchison 3G had planning permission for this. “The people of Maes Mawr have had to put up with a lot, from boy racers to this, it has been hell for them. “I hope the mast is brought down so that we have a level playing field. Hutchison seem to have the upper hand at the moment.” Chief Executive of County Stores Keith Gos-ney said: “The situation with us is simple. “We were approached by Hutchison 3G and we said it was fine to put up a mast on our land, so long as they satisfied the local authority’s plan-ning procedures. “There seems to be a misconception on the part of Hutchison in relation to planning rules in Ceredigion. “I can assure people that the mast will remain inactive until a planning decision has been reached.” Spokesman for Bronglais hospital Brian Tho-mas said: “I can confirm that permission has been granted to erect a telephone mast on the hospital roof. “The frequency Hutchison 3G will run off is outside that of medical equipment and will not cause any disruption.”
Aberystwyth Today
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Aberystwyth
Wales says "No mast"

I will not allow a mast in my yard’
AN Aberystwyth businessman has told the Cambrian News that he has pulled the plug on a controversial planning application for a 12-metre mast to be erected at Woods Yard in Trefechan.
Steve Woods, who owns Woods Yard, Old Brewery, Trefechan, has confirmed that Alder King, as agents for the Orange communication company,
had approached him regarding a planning application for a mast to be erected at Woods Yard.
The 12-metre column would have had up to six antennae and four dishes, and other associated equipment cabinets at ground level.
The agents have submitted an application to Cyngor Sir Ceredigion’s planning authority, but Mr Woods is adamant that no agreement has been
made with Alder King.
Many local residents are objecting to the application, fearing that it might affect their health, as well as devaluing their properties.
And Aberystwyth Town Council has also lodged an objection But Mr Woods, the proprietor of Woods Building Supplies, Clarach,
contacted the Cambrian News to state categorically that no mast would be erected on the site of the Old Brewery, which is used for
storage purposes by the company.
Mr Woods said: “Alder King did approach us.
They said that they wanted to erect a mast, and a planning application was being submitted.
“But no agreement has been made with Alder King.
And as I can see that it would interfere with our daily work, as well as being of concern to local people, I can say that I will not
be allowing the erection of a mast.”
Mark Edge, and his wife Annette, who live above their Londis store in Trefechan, are strong objectors to the planning application.
Mr Edge said: “We live here with our three children, overlooking the yard which is the subject of the planning application.
It is potentially a serious hazard to health, as nobody is yet in a position to say that these masts do not provide a risk to health.
“Dozens of children living in the area might suffer health problems in the future if a mast is erected.
“As far as I am aware, all the locals are objecting to the application.
The offices in the Old Brewery have not been used for years, and every ground-floor window is boarded-up.
Now there is an application for a mast which would further devalue our property.
” Aberystwyth Town Council has already l o d g e d a f o r m a l objection.

Carmarthenshire
Wales Created: 11 Jul 2005
AMMANFORD South Wales: Anger at mast decision

AN AMMANFORD pensioner has hit out at town councillors for failing to object to plans for a mobile phone mast in the town.
The pensioner, who does not want to be named, feels councillors should have consulted residents before telling Hutchinson 3G they had no objections
to proposals.
"According to Paul Cutler, the surveyor involved with the proposed development, several bodies were consulted, including Carmarthenshire Council,
Ammanford Town Council and our county councillor Hugh Evans," she said
"I am flabbergasted to think elected officials could take it upon themselves to speak for the people of Ammanford, without consultation.
"I hope it is not too late for both councils to offer objections."
At a town council meeting last week officials took the decision to write to Crown Castle, which is responsible for the installation of the mast at the former
BT exchange on Heol Wallasey.
Councillor Jane Potter said she is very concerned the mast does not need planning permission.
She said: "I do feel this is a cause for concern.
"More than £7 million has been spent on research into the effects of the masts. Research does suggest the rays are harmful.
"I have advised those who have concerns to write to Carmarthenshire Council, Crown Castle and Hutchinson G3."
County councillor Hugh Evans said: "I have written to Crown Castle expressing the concerns of the residents.
The problem is they don't need to submit an application to install the mast."
South Wales Guardian 01/06/05

Denbighshire
Wales Created: 11 Jul 2005
Coming soon.

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