Teed-off by mast plans

Rachel Lamb - Rachel Lamb • Published 1 Feb 2007 09:57

FURIOUS residents say they have not been consulted over plans to erect a mobile phone mast just metres from their homes.

Communications giant O2 is in talks with Helensburgh Golf Club bosses about the possible installation of a mast on their land.

If given the green light, the proposed 20metre high structure will be installed on a quiet pathway overlooking Abercromby Crescent. But golf club members and householders in the area claim they have been frozen out of discussions.

Roger Waigh said: `If the golf club is prepared to put up with a mast that"s fine but the golf club members should be putting it to the vote. What I object to is the underhand way it's being done.

`If a mast was put there, I think it"s far enough away from the houses that it wouldn"t pose a health hazard but if people perceive that there is a health hazard, that"s what matters because that"s what affects house values.`

Campaigners have vowed to fight the plans, which they say will create an eyesore and pose a health hazard.

Worried residents opposing the plans collected a petition of more than 50 names in just a few hours earlier in the week.

One worried mother, who did not want to be named, said: 'They won"t erect phone masts next to a school because of the health risks but I have a four-year-old and a seven-year-old who will be sleeping next to one if these plans go ahead.'

Geraldine Martin, an Abercromby Crescent resident, can see the site from her window.

She said: 'I don"t think it"s suitable to build it right beside properties when there is so much space in Helensburgh.

'Twenty years ago, people didn"t know about the dangers electricity pylons posed. Now I certainly wouldn"t buy a house next to one.`

Concerned residents from the Abercromby Crescent area held a meeting in the Commodore Inn last night to discuss the proposals which have been submitted to council planning chiefs.

A council spokeswoman said: 'It will be referred to the area committee in due course and will be assessed on its own merit.'

A spokesman for Helensburgh Golf Club would not discuss the mast. O2 were unavailable for comment.

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This article appeared in Helensburgh Advertiser 01 Feb 07

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