PETER WALSH
08 December 2006 08:42

Campaigners trying to stop a mobile phone firm from putting up a mast near their homes look like they might be about to win their fight - but it could be a hollow victory.

Communications giant O2 is worried its efforts to get a 22-metre plus mast installed near the site of the old Bowthorpe School site could be thwarted.

The land is owned by the North Earlham, Larkman and Marlpit (NELM) Development Trust and because of pressure from campaigners and coverage in the Evening News NELM bosses are considering pulling out of the deal with O2. But because the firm claims it needs to improve its coverage in the city, it has now set its sights on an alternative option.

O2 has sent letters out informing councillors they now want to put up a 12.5 metre mast, disguised as a telegraph pole, on Farrow Road roundabout in Earlham Road.

Green campaigners urged people living near the old Bowthorpe School to object to that application and urged families who live near the new site to do likewise.

Rupert Read, Green city councillor, said: “It is going to be very close to a number of houses, not to mention the police station.

“Some of the homes have elderly people living in them and young children. It's a good thing we have deterred O2 from the other site and we need to keep on deterring them until they give up.”

In the letter which accompanies the application to Norwich City Council, O2 states the mast would meet all the safety guidelines laid down by the International Commission for Non-Ionising Radiation Protection.

The Evening News has long been campaigning against mobile phone masts being placed near homes and schools.

Ü Are you battling a mobile phone mast application where you live? Call Peter Walsh on 01603 772439 or e-mail peter.walsh@archant.co.uk