Phone Operator Fails To Connect With Public Over Mast

De Parys Lib Dem Councillor David Sawyer has lashed out at a mobile phone company for ignoring concerns from local residents and pushing ahead with plans for a new phone mast close to three Bedford schools.

The application for a new mast will go before Bedford Borough Council's planning committee on Monday night despite concerns being raised in the Times and Citizen and a consultation organised by the mobile phone operator.

Council officers are recommending the application be turned down because of its design and appearance.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Cllr David Sawyer said "O2 are riding rough shod over local people's views. The location for mobile phones masts are sensitive issues and it is only right that the comments of local people are fully taken into account. Ignoring local opinion and pushing ahead with this application makes a mockery of consultation. People understandably have concerns about mobile phone masts and quite rightly don't want to take any risks with a site located so near to three schools."

Councillor Sawyer further said "There are many and better sites in the vicinity some of which would be further away from homes and schools. The recommendation from council officers that the application be turned down on the grounds of design and appearance gives further testimony that this site is simply unacceptable. Along with many local residents I replied to O2's consultation in the hope that they too would realise that their proposal was inappropriate. It is now down to the borough planning committee whether to agree with local concerns and the advice of their officers or back O2 and burden Polhill Avenue with a 15 metre high totem to the unflinching determination of mobile phone operators."