Anger at decision to go ahead with mast in Ponteland

Dec 21 2009 By Dave Black, The Journal

Dr Nigel Twelves, who chairs the school’s governors, said there was anxiety among parents about the prospect. "Like anything else we are following the principle of minimum risk. These are young children with developing brains close to a transmitter mast operating 24 hours a day. We are very disappointed by O²’s decision and are exploring as many avenues as we can with the county council. We are not prepared to just give up and roll over on this."

O² spokesman Jim Stevenson said the company had worked with the county council to find an alternative to the school site but the one identified further along Broadway had then been turned down by councillors.

"We were astounded by that decision. The county council has come up with other sites but they are way, way outside our search area and are completely unacceptable to us.

"We are left with no choice but to go back to the original site for the mast."

O² claims it needs a mast in the centre of Darras Hall to improve 3G mobile coverage in the area.

It has dismissed concerns that the mast could be damaging to people’s health.