Backing for mast protest for mast protest (From Penarth Times)

Backing for mast protest for mast protest

PENARTH AM Lorraine Barrett is backing residents who are opposing plans for a mobile phone mast on Clive Place.

And she has urged others to make their views known to the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

Although telecommunications giant Vodafone has not yet submitted a formal application to the Council's planning department, residents released a storm of protest when the intention to erect a 10-metre post between two nurseries was discovered.

Should the proposals meet with local authority approval, the mast will be installed at the junction of Jubilee Lane and Clive Place, situated yards from Orchard Day Nursery on Clive Place and close to Nightingales Nursery on Albert Crescent.

The mast would also be just a few hundred yards from Albert Primary and from the Albert Road GPs' Surgery.

Following last week's story in the Penarth Times, Mrs Barrett has consulted residents and believes the overwhelming view is to say'no' to the mast.

Mrs Barrett said: "My initial feeling to oppose a mobile phone mast has been confirmed after speaking to residents in Clive Place, Church Avenue, Albert Road and Albert Crescent.

"They are deeply concerned at this proposal.

"I have also spoken to the local nurseries and they too are concerned.

"I am even more concerned that Vodafone only sent out 45 letters informing of their plans - and didn't include residents in Church Avenue or Albert Road and Albert Crescent.

"The close proximity of the proposed mast to two nurseries, a primary school and a doctors' surgery is of most concern to residents and parents alike."

Mrs Barrett is urging residents to make their views known by writing to the Vale of Glamorgan Council's Planning Department.

She added: "I have already spoken to the mobile phone company to register my opposition, pointing out the close proximity of the two nurseries.

"I will also be writing formally, expressing my concerns, and I intend inviting senior representatives of the company to accompany me on a visit to the location proposed.

"I pay tribute to the efforts of residents in organising a petition, as it's up to all of us as residents of Penarth to register our opposition.

"The evidence points to taking a precautionary approach, particularly near schools."