Rugby club talks to mobile giants (From Stroud News and Journal)

Rugby club talks to mobile giants

TALKS are set to take place on the siting of mobile phone masts at Stroud Rugby Club after three giant companies expressed an interest in using the site.

Committee members from the Fromehall Park club are to meet with the trustees of the land this weekend to discuss proposals from Orange, Vodafone and Hutchinson 3G.

New scaffolding on the Rugby Club's pitch has fuelled speculation that the masts could be erected in the near future but the club has confirmed this is simply to replace outdoor lighting.

Club spokesman Jenkyn Kennedy said nothing had been decided about the siting of the masts and the company had not yet struck a deal with any of the companies involved.

"We have just been asked if the Stroud Rugby Club can be used for siting the masts. All three companies have just expressed an interest," he said.

"They are talking to a number of different sites. The club is overlooking the valley and a nice open space."

Phone masts have been labelled a health hazard by some campaigners because of the radiation they emit but there is still no proven link between them and ill health.

"That was our first concern," added Mr Kennedy. "We checked with the National Radiological Health Board and they are perfectly happy with them."

John Smith, senior trustee and one of the landowners, said he could not make any comment until after the meeting on Sunday.

"We have to talk it through and make a decision at the weekend," he said. "I am not prepared to discuss any more than that."

Stroud District Council planning officers said various mobile phone companies have been talking to Ebley Mill about new sites for phone masts.