REDBRIDGE: 26 new phone masts planned for Redbridge (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

REDBRIDGE: 26 new phone masts planned for Redbridge

9:41am Wednesday 4th January 2012 in Redbridge News By Dominic Sutton

MOBILE phone operators are planning to install 26 new phone masts in Redbridge in 2012.

The plans, which will be discussed by councillors on January 12, include proposals for a new O2 mast within 400 metres of Churchfields School in South Woodford and another close to Snaresbrook Primary School in Meadow Walk.

There are already five masts in close proximity to those sites, leading some local people to question the need for further construction.

David Jack, 46, of St Albans Road in Woodford Green, has a five-year-old daughter at Churchfields School.

He said: “I imagine a lot of parents will be concerned by this.

“It’s very unfortunate that operators feel the need to set these sites near schools.

“There seems to be a lot of conflicting information about the health risks of masts, and every effort should be made to find alternative sites away from schools.

“But we all moan when we can’t get a good mobile signal, so it’s very tricky.”

Shamsuddin Ahmed, 64, who lives in Cleveland Road, says he is worried by the plans to erect more masts.

He explained: “I’m totally against this, largely because of the question of health.

“We still don’t know if this technology is dangerous, and while there is doubt we need to know exactly why there is a need to put so many masts in one area.

“Personally, I suspect there probably are issues that make these masts a potential health hazard and I want more research done before we go on adding any more of the things.”

But O2 spokeswoman Ilana Clark insisted people have nothing to fear from phone masts.

She said: “We understand that some people do have concerns about potential health issues associated with mobile phone masts but we make sure all our masts are designed to be compliant with international guidelines established to protect the public of all ages, wherever they are in relation to a mast 24 hours a day.

“The guidelines are endorsed by the World Health Organisation, the European Union and UK Government.

“There is no scientific basis for avoiding any land or building use – and in fact, with the increasing popularity of smart phones and other data-driven devices, it’s essential we install masts where people want to use these devices: where they work, live and travel.”

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