Lewes Lib Dems call for mass letter campaign to help stop phone mast

2.37.03pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 27th Jan 2006

Norman and local Lib Dems protesting against proposed phone mast

Local Lib Dem activists have called on Lewes parents to launch a letter writing campaign to Southern Water to demand the company does not erect a mobile phone mast at their Ham Lane site near to Priory School

This campaign launch follows a decision made by the Government Planning Inspectorate to overturn Lewes District Councils refusal of planning permission for a mobile phone mast on the Southern Water site.

Says local Councillor John Webber:

"I was disappointed by the Government's decision, although not entirely surprised. The planning system does not respect local democracy. Despite local residents views that a mobile phone mast could be detrimental to local school children's health, the Government's planning system has ruled that our views should not be taken into account and that the needs of business are paramount.

Liz Sleeper, who lives in Lewes and has a child at the school, says: "The only way left for parents is to appeal to Southern Water itself not to erect the mast. I have drafted a letter of protest, which is freely available to all concerned to duplicate. Copies can be obtained from the Lewes Lib Dem website www.leweslibdems.org.uk, or from Norman Baker's office on the High Street.

"The company have to understand that as parents if our children suffer any ill-health as a consequence of this mast being so close to the school, we will take legal action against them. I have spoken to City Insurance analysts who tell me that despite the government's laissez-faire attitude to potential EMF health risks, insurance companies are not prepared to take on the financial risk. Southern Water will not have insurance against possible future class action suits, and therefore should think carefully before taking this step."