Llanrwst Tetra mast confusion cleared up

Dec 11 2008 by Samantha Castle, North Wales Weekly News

EFFORTS have been made to try to clear up the public confusion surrounding the controversial plan to site a Tetra mast in Llanrwst.

Last week councillors voted to turn down the application by Airwave Solutions to erect a communications mast on the town police station, claiming worries about health risks were detrimental to local residents.

But now it has been made clear the application is not for a second, additional mast, but a replica telegraph pole and two small dishes.

“There was a misunderstanding by the general public and some councillors that this application was to erect a second mast,” said Deganwy councillor Jason Weyman this week.

“Prior to moving to North Wales I worked in the telecommunications industry for 12 years and had some knowledge of the technology being discussed and the system Airwave Solutions had been contracted to supply.

“Applications involving telecommunications equipment are always problematic and emotive, as there are health scare issues that residents have over the radiation from these devices. My fear is that there is a lot of misinformation flying around regarding this planning application.”

He said that residents and protesters have not been given clear details about the application.

“The risk to the emergency services if this communication mast is not installed is greater to local people than the health risks,” he added.

“In hindsight Airwave Solutions should have set up a public meeting before it went to planning.”

Ray Weldon, spokesman for Airwave Solutions, said: “The proposal is for a replica telegraph pole which will be a metal structure which we will paint brown so it mixes in with its surroundings.

“The 11m replica telegraph pole will house two dishes that will link the site to the network. The proposed mast is not a second Tetra mast. No Tetra equipment will be installed on the proposed mast.”