Residents mast victory (From Stroud News and Journal)

Residents mast victory

VICTORIOUS campaigners have faced down a giant company and won the battle to prevent a mobile phone mast.

Cainscross and Ebley residents were jubilant on Monday night when they heard night that communications giant One2One had backed down after seven weeks of blockades, protests and meetings.

"We have really appreciated the response and attitude of One2One," said Caroline Eaton of the No Phone Mast! campaign group.

"It's reassuring that a company like One2One is prepared to listen to the general public's concerns over health risks.

"Let's hope that other telecommunications companies will now have the courage and good sense to do the same."

In mid March One2One was accused of putting up the mast without planning permission after workmen started work next to the IMO car wash at Westward Road.

The community acted quickly to fend it off, fearing the mast could pose a health hazard. It would have been less than 200m from St Matthew's Primary School and protesters continue to argue that these masts should be subject to a 500m exclusion zone.

Banners were tied up and angry residents marched on Stroud District Council to demand an explanation.

Although One2One had played by the planning rule book, it has agreed to look elsewhere to site the 17m-high mast.

"We do still need coverage in that part of the world and we will look for alternative sites," said Gordon Simmonds, One2One spokesman.

He confirmed that there was absolutely no chance of a One2One mast going up at the IMO car wash site.

Cars still blockaded the entrance to the site this week because campaigners wanted a guarantee that no other masts would be erected there.

Under revised planning rules, mobile phone operators must tell local residents of their plans, rather than just put up a notice. The group is now worried ten more masts could go up in the Stroud area under the old legislation

"We will continue to be vigilant," said No Phone Mast! spokesman Graham Stanley.

Seasoned mobile communications campaigner and critic Lynne Edmunds congratulated the group on its efforts.

"I'm delighted and impressed at the dedication of the community," she said.

"This sends a message to the public that direct action works."