Phone company agrees to look at other sites for mast

Vodafone has promised to take another look at four possible sites for a proposed 12 metre high mast at the junction of Badminton Road and Woodside Road.

The decision follows a busy consultation session held by Vodafone representatives at the village's Manor Hall on Wednesday.

More than 50 concerned residents turned up to quiz the mobile phone company and suggest alternative sites for the mobile phone mast.

A petition with over 590 signatures against Vodafone's mast proposal was also handed over.

Vodafone spokesman Dr Rob Matthews told the Gazette: "The consultation session went extremely well for both parties.

"Out of it we have obtained information on four sites our radio engineers will now investigate as alternative sites.

"There is no guarantee we will drop our currently preferred choice in Badminton Road but as part of our commitment we are happy to go back and have a second look at these suggested sites.

"We have taken down a list of addresses which we will keep up to date with our investigations."

Cllr Claire Young said the decision offered a "glimmer of hope" for campaigners.

She said: "People in the village simply do not want the mast where it is proposed.

"There are a lot of people living near the site who are concerned over the potential health effects and also the visual impact of the mast.

"The meeting on Wednesday must have left Vodafone in no doubt now about the strength of feeling locally. I cautiously welcome their decision."

Andy Somerset, of Badminton Road, said: "The meeting with Vodafone was successful.

"We have done our bit, we got the petition, now we wait to see what Vodafone will do.

"Hopefully one of the alternative sites will come up trumps. If not our fight will go on."

Vodafone's planning application for a 12 metre mast at the junction of Badminton Road and Woodside Road goes before South Gloucestershire Council's planning committee at the Thornbury council offices on January 31 (3pm).