South Hams
Council has organised a special seminar to look at the possible health
risks associated with mobile phone masts.
The council is currently deciding whether or not to grant planning
permission for a mast in Totnes.
Local campaigners
have already fought off two previous applications and are vehemently
against a third.
Anti-mast campaigners in the area formed a group called SHAME - South
Hams Against Mast Emissions.
Members
say it is not the environmental effect that they are predominantly
concerned about but health worries. And the protestors say that the
problem with phone masts is that no-one can tell them, categorically,
that there are not any health risks.
The meeting will not be open to the public.
Totnes town
councillor, Prew Boswell, is one of SHAME's campaigners. She is
angry that she will not be able to attend the seminar.
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She said: "This
is a hugely important issue, and a lot of people in the South Hams
are concerned about the possible health implications. This conference
should be held in public. Certainly, town and parish councillors
should be invited."
She added: "I
will campaign against these masts until they are proved to be completely
safe."
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Shame
says it is not the environmental effect it is predominantly
concerned about but health worries
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Dr Michael Clarke
from the National Radiological Protection Board admits there has
been very little research done on mobile phone masts. But in an
attempt to understand more, the council has organised today's seminar,
drawing together experts like Dr Clark and representatives from
the major mobile phone companies.
Councillors will also be able to find out more about future plans
for telecommunications in the South Hams.
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