Phone mast concern

Sep 4 2008 by Richard Evans, North Wales Weekly News

HEALTH fears have followed plans by a mobile phone giant to erect two 30ft masts in Old Colwyn.

Vodafone has informed residents that it hopes to put a mast on Abergele Road opposite the Aldi supermarket and at Tan Llwyfan at Penmaen Head.

Both masts are proposed on footpaths in what are largely residential areas.

The letter sent out by the communications company is part of a public consultation which precedes the submission of a planning application.

Old Colwyn councillor Brian Cossey sits on the planning committee and could not either condemn or support the proposed application for fear of losing his vote on the issue when it comes to committee.

However Cllr Cossey did admit he had some concerns after being contacted by numerous residents and said he had been busy delivering information on the subject door-to-door in the village.

“Vodafone has sent details to people who live around the two sites,” he said.

“People are very concerned about them. There’s always a fear of health problems with these masts although there is no evidence at the moment one way or the other. People are concerned as the masts use microwave radiation.

“The main concern is the health issue and it is suggested by the Government that these masts are erected away from properties .”

David Curtis is chairman of the Old Colwyn East Residents’ Association and said people were greatly troubled by the prospect.

“A 30ft mast won’t look very nice in the middle of a village,” he said. “One would have thought the police headquarters would have been better. You wouldn’t put one in the middle of the village where people live because of concerns over radiation, that is an issue people are worried about.”