RESIDENTS URGED TO ACTION AS MAST APPEAL LOOMS

Plans by one of the UK's largest communications company to site a mobile phone mast just metres from homes and schools, have been slammed as 'completely ridiculous' by Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate Terrye Teverson.

Vodaphone plan to erect a 12 metre mast with 3 antennae just metres from Knoll Park, Truro Rugby Club, local schools and the new Trelander Children's Centre.

Local residents from Knoll Park, Penair View and Trelander, who have been fighting the proposals, called on Terrye Teverson to step in and support their campaign.

"Having seen where Vodaphone are planning to site this mast I can only say the proposal seem completely ridiculous," Mrs Teverson said.

"There are concerns about the potential impact these masts can have on the health of people living nearby. This doesn't seem to be serious enough for Vodaphone to reconsider and find another site."

"This mast wouldn't be tucked away out of view. It's going to be right by the side of the road between Penair School, Truro Rugby Club and the Trelander Children's Centre - I can't see why anyone would agree with this plan."

The proposed mast would emit high powered signals, allowing users to send video footage via their mobile phones. Many countries have stringent controls over where mobile phone towers can be erected, keeping them away from homes and schools.

"There are allegations that these masts can cause cancer clusters in the population living around them. While this has never been proven conclusively, surely it's not worth the risk to the people of this part of Truro to wait and see - particularly when so many children live in the area." Mrs Teverson continued.

A planning application by Vodaphone was submitted to Carrick District Council in August this year. Planning Officers immediately refused the application using delegated powers and Vodaphone have now appealed that decision.

Mrs Teverson has circulated a letter to all residents urging them to write to the Planning inspectorate. Local residents now have until Wednesday to put their views to the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol, before a final decision will be made.

"I just hope the planning inspectorate see what the rest of us see - that this is a totally unsuitable site." Mrs Teverson concluded.

"It's not a case of local residents not wanting it in their back yard, more a case of Vodaphone using their might as a huge corporation with lots of money to force through an unsightly and potentially dangerous application against the wishes of local residents who will have to live with it on a daily basis."