Phone mast plans anger villagers

More than 100 residents have written into South Gloucestershire Council objecting to Vodafone's proposal to site a 12 metre high 3G mast on Hicks Common.

The area features a revived duck pond, funded by the village council, and a number of popular walks.

The phone company states the mast is needed for it to provide a satisfactory 3G coverage to Winterbourne.

But villagers claim the mast would be an eyesore and could cause a possible health risk.

One resident has put up a large colour banner on Hicks Common to highlight villager opposition to the phone mast plan.

Steward Hemsley, of Cherry Orchard, has two children under the age of 10.

He said: "People come and visit this part of the village to see the duck pond or walk in the nearby fields.

"No one wants to see a high phone mast leaning over them. It would spoil the area, which I believe is green belt.

"There is mass objection to the phone mast in the village - I think we've shown we don't want it here.

"Its now down to the council to make a decision on our behalf."

Mr Hemsley said he was also concerned over the possible health risks of mobile phone masts.

"Until the masts have been proven safe I don't think they should be placed near schools or young families," he said.

"There are many young children living here and two local primary schools."

Wesley Heawood, of Bradley Avenue, said residents had not been given time to comment on the application.

He said: "There has been insufficient time for residents to hear and respond to this application, especially with it being close to the holiday season.

"The proposed mast is far too large and far too close to the surrounding residential area."

The application was submitted to South Gloucestershire Council on December 11 and its consultation period ended on January 1.

A decision on the application is expected by the end of the month.

No one from Vodafone was available for comment.