RESIDENTS VOW TO SIT OUT MAST PROTEST
NEIL PRESTON ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR NEIL.PRESTON@GRIMSBYTELEGRAPH.CO.UK
12:30 - 11 April 2006 "WE shall not be moved."
The contractors had unloaded their digger but had to stop and ring their bosses when they realised we were not going anywhere. That was the defiant cry from residents who today began a third morning of protests over the construction of a mobile phone mast.
Yesterday neighbours came out in force to prevent contractors erecting an 8m high mast on a grass verge at the junction of Carrington Drive and North Sea Lane, Humberston.
And they were planning to do the same today.
North East Lincolnshire Council gave the go-ahead for the Vodafone antennae last September and ever since, residents have been trying to fight the decision.
They brought out tables and chairs and held a sit-down protest on the grass verge where the mast is to be built.
Passing motorists pipped their horns in support.
Yesterday contract workers arrived to begin work but left after an hour when residents defiantly sat down on the grass and refused to budge.
Terry Barrs (67), of North Sea Lane, said: "The contractors came just after 10am to start their work.
"We noticed that they'd arrived, so all gathered together and sat on the grass.
"The contractors had unloaded their digger but had to stop and ring their bosses when they realised we were not going anywhere.
"Their bosses must have told them to pack up and go because they went and didn't come back all day.
"We are back out today as we believe the mast poses a health risk. We are going to fight it all the way."
Claire Kershaw, also of North Sea Lane, said: "I have two young children and my concerns are what damage it will do to them. For me it is not the sight of the mast that worries me, it is the health risk."
A petition was signed by more than 100 people and posted to Mono, the consultants for Vodafone, last year.
Peter Keeble (47), of North Sea Lane, added: "We will not give up on this."
Phil Wallis, development control manager for NELC, said: "Vodafone has had planning permission accepted by the Planning Committee so is entitled to erect the mast."
12:30 - 11 April 2006 "WE shall not be moved."
The contractors had unloaded their digger but had to stop and ring their bosses when they realised we were not going anywhere. That was the defiant cry from residents who today began a third morning of protests over the construction of a mobile phone mast.
Yesterday neighbours came out in force to prevent contractors erecting an 8m high mast on a grass verge at the junction of Carrington Drive and North Sea Lane, Humberston.
And they were planning to do the same today.
North East Lincolnshire Council gave the go-ahead for the Vodafone antennae last September and ever since, residents have been trying to fight the decision.
They brought out tables and chairs and held a sit-down protest on the grass verge where the mast is to be built.
Passing motorists pipped their horns in support.
Yesterday contract workers arrived to begin work but left after an hour when residents defiantly sat down on the grass and refused to budge.
Terry Barrs (67), of North Sea Lane, said: "The contractors came just after 10am to start their work.
"We noticed that they'd arrived, so all gathered together and sat on the grass.
"The contractors had unloaded their digger but had to stop and ring their bosses when they realised we were not going anywhere.
"Their bosses must have told them to pack up and go because they went and didn't come back all day.
"We are back out today as we believe the mast poses a health risk. We are going to fight it all the way."
Claire Kershaw, also of North Sea Lane, said: "I have two young children and my concerns are what damage it will do to them. For me it is not the sight of the mast that worries me, it is the health risk."
A petition was signed by more than 100 people and posted to Mono, the consultants for Vodafone, last year.
Peter Keeble (47), of North Sea Lane, added: "We will not give up on this."
Phil Wallis, development control manager for NELC, said: "Vodafone has had planning permission accepted by the Planning Committee so is entitled to erect the mast."
rudkla - 12. Apr, 15:49
