Phone masts ban set to be lifted

Jun 27 2005 By Neil Elkes, Evening Mail

A BAN stopping mobile phone masts being put on council offices and tower blocks is expected to be lifted following the publication of a report today.

Birmingham City Council issued a temporary ban in February 2004 because of fears that masts could cause a range of illnesses from sickness and nausea to cancer.

But following a six month inquiry into the ban, a panel of councillors concluded that masts should be allowed on city owned property.

They believe that by designating certain sites, away from homes and schools, and dictating strict terms on leases they can better control the spread of masts throughout the city.

However, Birmingham's leading anti-mast campaigner Eileen O'Connor described lifting the ban as "foolish".

She said: "I attended most of the inquiry sessions and the evidence that masts are dangerous is overwhelming.

"I would not like to be responsible as a landlord for inflicting masts on the population of Birmingham. It is very foolish."

Eileen, of Wishaw, near Sutton Coldfield, said that the council might also raise rents and leases for the mast sites in a cynical bid to cash in on the explosion in mobile phone use.

But she added that some good might come from the inquiry if restrictions on masts are tightened and their locations are limited as a result.

There are already more than 500 masts in Birmingham, with plans for another 200 in the pipeline as phone companies increase the range of mobile phone services.

The inquiry, chaired by Coun Michael Wilkes (Lib Dem, Hall Green), has heard evidence from the mobile phone companies, the National Radiological Protection Board, independent scientists, anti-mast campaign groups, families and planning officials.

The full city council will vote on the report at its next meeting on July 5.