Hundreds sign mast petition
MORE than 200 people have signed a petition fighting a proposal to install a phone mast at a sports club in Stamford.
Earlier this month phone giant O2 secured planning authority permission to replace a 15m floodlight with an 18m tall mast, included six antennas and an equipment cabinet at Blackstones Sports and Social club site.
The decision came after a tight eight to seven councillors' vote in favour of the proposal at a South Kesteven District Council Development Control committee meeting,
Blackstones claims it has yet to decide whether to give the green light for the development and nearby residents are hoping they can get the club to turn its back on the proposal.
David Farrer, 59, of Wood-head Close, has been collecting signatures. He said: "By getting more than 200 signatures I think this sends a strong message. We hope that we can persuade Blackstones to reconsider.
"Residents have supported the club in the past and we hope it will listen to us. We have concerns about the health issues, the visual impact of the development and we don't feel we've been properly consulted."
O2's plans cropped-up in the wake of New College Stamford's pending multi-million pound overhaul. The company already has a mast at the Drift Road site but is now looking for a new home.
Retired teacher John Carbutt, of Berrybut Way, said: "Many residents are concerned about the environmental and health issues from mobile phone masts. We do not think that a mobile phone mast should be placed in the middle of a residential area."
Blackstones Sports and Social club chairman Eric Marvel said: "O2 have got planning permission but no decision has been made. We're still open-minded and waiting for developments," he said.
An O2 spokesman said the firm was committed to the World Health Organisation and Health Protection Agency's findings, which say there is no risk to health.
She said "We hope to build the mast this year. It's urgently needed to ensure coverage and capacity both now and in the future."
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Monday 06 February 2012
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