Letter “Keep Us Informed”
published in Knaresborough Post 15-12-00
In reply to the Holy Trinity Church wardens letter (Dec 8), we are sure that not just ourselves, but many people, would have liked an early opportunity to express our concerns about having Vodafone microwave antennas on the church. We could not do so as the plans, apparently in the pipeline for two years, had been kept secret from nearby residents. Since finding out from planning application notices, leaving little time to object, the Rev. Ugwunna suggested a meeting with residents but the wardens “did not want a meeting where everyone could air their grievances”.
Secrecy seems normal where mobile phone base stations are concerned. At least the publicity has helped inform others, people living by Knaresborough fire station were not aware the antennas there were a mobile phone installation. The Federation Of Electronic Industries, of which Vodafone is a member, has stated “operators will help ensure that local communities are better informed about applications made for new base station sites and have appropriate opportunity to make their views known”. Vodafone’s installation plans make it clear that the appearance will be altered. The louver sections where the antennas are positioned are not being replaced by full louvers but with a narrow front edge pieces only. The plans also allow for a dish if needed “height and orientation as required”. This dish, which would carry communications between cell bases, would have to be externally mounted unless yet more of the stonework is removed.
Nearly every day there are new mobile phone warnings, Vodafone simply cannot say that mobile phone microwave radiation is definitely safe, underwriters at Lloyds have even refused to cover manufacturers against health damage claims from long term mobile phone radiation.
