Angry villagers in fear of health risk

Up to 200 furious residents crowded a Shropshire village hall to fight against plans for a controversial phone mast.

Campaigners in Bicton, near Shrewsbury, claimed the proposed 12-metre high mast earmarked for Calcott Lane, could put people's health at risk.

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Airwave Solutions has identified the site under a scheme to create a new national digital mobile network for emergency services.

But campaigners Dave Kilby and John Roberts last night claimed the proposal by the firm contained a number of errors and accused bosses of not carrying out a proper consultation.

Residents also heard claims made in an email from a member of a national protest group contradicting a report by Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council planners.

A report to councillors said the plans did not need prior permission because the mast was far enough away from neighbouring properties and would provide essential coverage for the emergency services.

But an e-mail from David Baron, from Mast Sanity, read out by Hilary Kilby at the meeting, said that because objections had been received against the mast it would still require approval by the development control committee.

Mr Roberts also told residents that the application by Airwave contained a number of mistakes and had not referred to the four schools within 600 metres of the proposed mast.

Mrs Kilby said experts had warned radiation from Tetra systems could lead to conditions such as childhood cancers and neurological disorders.

She said: "There are serious concerns regarding non-thermal effects of Tetra with well documented ill health effects."

Councillor John Cooke last night vowed to represent residents at Tuesday's development control committee. He claimed he had not been contacted by Airwave during the consultation process.

Mr Kilby said both himself and Bicton Primary School had not been consulted until April over the proposals.

By Russell Roberts

Rob Warren, from Bicton, speaks out at the public meeting.

Mast protesters at the meeting in Bicton.

David Kilby addresses the meeting.

Angry villagers speak out at Bicton Village Hall.

John Roberts speaks at the meeting.