'No' to Mobile Phone Masts at Schools (Andrew Simpson)

'No' to Mobile Phone Masts at Schools

March 19, 2004 12:00 AM

Mobile phone masts should not be located at school sites say local Lib Dems

Local Liberal Democrats have called on the County Council to refuse planning permission for mobile phone masts on school sites until such time as the safety of such masts and base stations is beyond doubt.

Lib Dem Parliamentary spokesperson for Northampton North Andrew Simpson said "We just don't know for certain whether these mast present a health risk to our children and in such circumstances the Council should take a precautionary approach"

Liberal Democrat County Councillor, Sally Beardsworth, successfully got the backing of the whole Council for a motion proposing that planning permission for masts and base stations on land that is used for educational purposes was refused. Liberal Democrats have been supporting the efforts of 'Parents for Safe Schools Weston Favell' who have been campaigning for schools to be held accountable for decisions over mobile phone masts.

"The Stewart report, commissioned by the Government, said that the biological effects of exposure to energy from masts would be absorbed more by children than adults and on that basis they should be refused and removed from schools " said Sally.

Liberal Democrats in Parliament have been calling on the Government to intervene and stop schools and local education authorities from entering into contracts with mobile phone companies.