Darras Hall phone mast protesters call in radiation expert

Nov 26 2009 by David Black, The Journal

FAMILIES fighting plans to erect a mobile phone mast in the heart of their upmarket community are to be addressed by a leading expert on the issue of health risks posed by radiation.

Hundreds of local people are expected to attend a public meeting in Darras Hall, Ponteland, next month at which the guest speaker will be academic and author Barry Trower from Dartmoor.

Mr Trower – a scientific adviser to the Radiation Research Trust – has been involved with radiation research since the 1960s.

He produced a report for the Police Federation on possible health risks for users of the Tetra police radio system, and has raised concerns over the safety of mobile phone masts close to people’s homes.

Mr Trower is coming to Darras Hall at the invitation of campaigners fighting moves by Telefonica O2 to erect a mobile phone mast in The Broadway.

They hope he will be able to bring locals fully up to date on current research into mast safety, and answer serious questions about alleged public health impacts of masts raised by communities in France, Spain and the UK.

Northumberland County Council recently rejected an application by O2 for a 15m-high mast next to old people’s flats in The Broadway, after more than 300 residents and businesses objected.