Campaign victory as mast must go

Oct 31 2007 by Chris Robinson, The Journal

TWO major mobile phone companies have been ordered to take down a phone mast in Gateshead after tireless campaigning by families.

O2 and Vodafone built the 20-metre mast at the Glebe Sports Ground in Whaggs Lane, Whickham, last year without the correct planning permission.

The companies appealed against an order for it to be removed but lost. Government planning inspectors decided the mast was a “dominant and overbearing structure”, particularly for those living nearby, and the companies have been given four months to take down the mast.

Joan Moore, 64, of Holme Avenue in Whickham, said she has been waiting for the mast to be taken down for too long. She said: “Myself and a few neighbours have been trying to get rid of this thing since February of last year.

“Quite a few of us all wrote in to the civic centre complaining about this monstrosity outside my home.

“I have rung the Ombudsman and spoken to the European Member of Parliament. I wouldn’t like to say how many phone calls I’ve made – they owe me a fortune in phone bills.”

Mrs Moore can see the mast from her bedroom window. She said: “It hits you right in the eye, you have to see it to believe it. I open my curtains and all I see is a mast. I have been fighting since 2006 to get the companies to take it down. I’m very pleased they haven’t got away with it, I’m thrilled to bits.”

Blaydon MP Dave Anderson, who has supported the campaign, said: “I just feel if anybody has actually seen the mast, you can tell that it is totally inappropriate where it is placed.

“This is a victory for common sense. It is clear Vodafone and O2 did not follow the guidance by the council. I am very pleased for the residents – they should be commended for their hard work.

“The mast should be taken down as soon as possible. These people have got away with this for too long and it is about time it came down.”

Vodafone spokesman Rob Matthews said: “We need to review the decision of the inspector before we make any decision on how to move forward from this.”

O2 regional communications manager Tom Powell said: “We are currently considering our options following the dismissal of the appeal and we haven’t decided what to do as yet. We have to maintain coverage in the area.

“There will be no noticeable effect on phone service because of this decision, but we are obviously very disappointed.”