| Local MP Supports Mobile Phone Mast Controls |
| Friday, 20 April 2007 | |
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Local MP John Pugh is supporting a new Bill that aims to bring mobile phone masts under strict planning control and bring in the 'precautionary principle', giving extra safeguards for schools, homes, and medical facilities from the risk of excessive radiation. John says, "This is the fourth bid I have supported in parliament to force through a change in the law. The previous three have been sabotaged by being talked out until no more time was allowed. This time we will have to plan for such tricks. The Bill has been presented to Parliament by Lib Dem Shadow Local Government Secretary Andrew Stunell and challenges the government to change the law to give local communities more control over where telephone masts are sited. (John is pictured with Andrew Stunnell) John Pugh said: "The positioning of phone masts has upset many people in Southport as masts have been put up close to schools and residential areas. There are hundreds of stories across the country of people coming home from work to find a mast that they knew nothing about at the end of their garden. "The Conservatives did a deal with the phone companies when they were in government to cut planning controls for masts.? Under the current ridiculous rules it is easier to get planning permission for a 15 metre mast than it is for a 5 metre conservatory. "This Bill will allow planning authorities to take account of health concerns and will require the industry to produce more evidence about the radiation emitted, and to justify the need for each mast." |