Hecklers jeer mast enquiry (From Stroud News and Journal)

Hecklers jeer mast enquiry

SCHOOL children, mums and toddlers joined seasoned campaigners to condemn council bosses for pulling out of the fight against TETRA yesterday, (Tuesday)

A four-day appeal inquiry opened amid accusations that Stroud District Council had given up on residents who were concerned over plans for the controversial masts at Selsley Common, Stroud police Station and Westridge, Wotton-under-Edge.

"I believe the council is now alongside the appellants," said Trevor Blaney, counsel for Spectrasite Transco, Medlock and Airwave mm02.

Planning inspector Howard Wynn-Rowlands was forced to quell cries of "shame" at Ebley Mill but the 40 protesters had made their point. Before the inquiry started, they waved placards outside.

"The position of the council is that we are now no longer putting forward any evidence that shows why the appeal should not be granted," replied Judi Evans, counsel for SDC.

Parents and pupils from Stroud Valley Community School are particularly concerned about the proposed mast for the police station and head teacher Rowland South took a deputation of children to the inquiry.

"We are all concerned about it," he said.

SDC development control committee rejected the applications last year but following a landmark decision last week when the decision against a mast at Rodborough was overturned, SDC chose not to fight on. It argued that it could not foot the bill for another three appeals.

Concerned residents believe not enough is known about the effects of the antennae on health. BF