TETRA case splits opinions (From Stroud News and Journal)

TETRA case splits opinions

ANTI-TETRA campaigners and police communications bosses are preparing for an historic test case in the district next week.

On Tuesday a Government-appointed inspector will open a public inquiry which will rule on Stroud District Council's decision to block planning permission for a TETRA (Terrestrial Trunked Radio) antenna at Rodborough.

The police have appealed against SDC's decision because they say that the new system will wipe out communication black spots - the existing radio system is prone to failure in outlying rural areas.

TETRA conforms to National Radiological Protection Board guidelines and allows speech, data and images to be sent. Police and Airwave MM02, which has taken over the TETRA network from BT say there is no conclusive proof of health risks.

But campaigners believe not enough is yet known about the possible health risks of the system and that the safety guidelines are not strict enough.

The council rejected an application to erect a mast at land off Rodborough Fields and several others because of the level of public concern over the potential risks to health.

"It's within 40 metres of housing," said Lynne Edmunds, of of Stroud Area Residents Against Harmful Radiation.

"There is great concern amongst most of the residents of Rodborough." Geoff Gillman lives near the proposed site and hopes to state his case next week. He has collected 100 letters of objection and 308 signatures on a petition against the proposals.

"My main concern is over health," said Mr Gillman. "Whether it will have an adverse affect on the children. I have two girls who are seven and eight. It worries me."

The TETRA system will be rolled out across the country by 2005 and is expected to be on line in Gloucestershire by the middle of this year.

Thirteen TETRA transmitters are required in the Stroud district and the council has approved three TETRA planning applications and turned down eight of eleven sites so far considered.

The hearing at Ebley Mill is expected to last two days.

*Another public inquiry appeal hearing date has been set for Tuesday, April 23, when a Government inspector will consider appeals against SDC's blocking of planning permission for TETRA antennae at Stroud Police Station, Selsley Common and Wotton-under-Edge.

POLICE want the new TETRA system to go ahead because it will improve communication for all the emergency services. But what do you think? Do we need Tetra?

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