Protesters step up phone mast fight
CAMPAIGNERS have stepped up their fight against a second mobile phone mast in a park with a children's play area.
T-Mobile want to build a 14.7metre mast in Cross Park, Thornwood, just 34 metres away from an existing 02 mast.
They have been refused planning permission, but have appealed to the Scottish Executive.
Protesters descended on the west end park yesterday during a site visit by a Scottish Executive reporter.
The reporter will make the final decision on whether the controversial structure is to be allowed.
One protester, Graham Morrisson, of Thornwood Gardens, said: "We are determined to keep up the opposition to this mast.
"If it goes ahead there will be two masts in this park and a total of 19 in the west end. That's way too many.
"We are concerned about the detrimental effect upon our health.
"I am among those who suffer symptoms which have been linked to phone masts including headaches and dizziness."
The proposed second mast would be sited close to the railings at the front of Cross Park.
Glasgow City Council threw out T-Mobile's application last October on the grounds it would cause visual disruption and there were already several masts in the area.
Campaigners say the existing mobile mast is already too close to nearby Thornwood Primary and Harley's Nursery and insist a second structure is out of the question.
June McBlane, chairwoman of Thornwood Community Council, said: "There has been much debate about the health risks associated with mobiles and masts and I accept some arguments may be difficult to back up.
"However, there is no way a mobile phone mast should be allowed to go up in a children's playpark."
A consultant acting on behalf of T-Mobile said a health compliance certificate had been submitted with the original planning application.
"This means it should not be necessary for the company to provide any more information about health or for health issues to be considered during the appeal," he said.
The reporter's decision is expected within the next six weeks.
13/04/06
Copyright © 2006 Newsquest (Herald & Times) Limited. All Rights Reserved
http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/print/news/5051028.shtml
T-Mobile want to build a 14.7metre mast in Cross Park, Thornwood, just 34 metres away from an existing 02 mast.
They have been refused planning permission, but have appealed to the Scottish Executive.
Protesters descended on the west end park yesterday during a site visit by a Scottish Executive reporter.
The reporter will make the final decision on whether the controversial structure is to be allowed.
One protester, Graham Morrisson, of Thornwood Gardens, said: "We are determined to keep up the opposition to this mast.
"If it goes ahead there will be two masts in this park and a total of 19 in the west end. That's way too many.
"We are concerned about the detrimental effect upon our health.
"I am among those who suffer symptoms which have been linked to phone masts including headaches and dizziness."
The proposed second mast would be sited close to the railings at the front of Cross Park.
Glasgow City Council threw out T-Mobile's application last October on the grounds it would cause visual disruption and there were already several masts in the area.
Campaigners say the existing mobile mast is already too close to nearby Thornwood Primary and Harley's Nursery and insist a second structure is out of the question.
June McBlane, chairwoman of Thornwood Community Council, said: "There has been much debate about the health risks associated with mobiles and masts and I accept some arguments may be difficult to back up.
"However, there is no way a mobile phone mast should be allowed to go up in a children's playpark."
A consultant acting on behalf of T-Mobile said a health compliance certificate had been submitted with the original planning application.
"This means it should not be necessary for the company to provide any more information about health or for health issues to be considered during the appeal," he said.
The reporter's decision is expected within the next six weeks.
13/04/06
Copyright © 2006 Newsquest (Herald & Times) Limited. All Rights Reserved
http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/print/news/5051028.shtml
rudkla - 13. Apr, 18:42
