Katy Clark MP met with a representative of Stanley Primary School Parents Council on Friday in continued efforts to prevent a Vodafone phone mast being built in close proximity to the school.
The local MP recently met with representatives of the industry to discuss the measures taken by phone companies to avoid building masts in close proximity to schools and hospitals.
Speaking on the issue Katy said, “I was disappointed by the lack of consideration given to vulnerable sites such as schools and hospitals in the site selection process carried out by mobile phone companies and the weaknesses in planning law to take into account the strong views of local communities. ”
The parents of children at Stanley Primary School are deeply concerned and worried by the prospect of the phone mast and what impact it may have on their children’s health. The Parent Council have held numerous meetings and written letters to Vodafone on this issue, requesting that consideration be given to this very serious matter.
Katy continued, “What really needs to be developed here is a strong regulatory system that will give a safe and precautionary framework from which mobile phone companies can operate. I am meeting OFCOM the regulator in this sector to discuss what their future plans are in this area and make clear that the voluntary system of regulation has not sufficed and will not protect people from the uncertain risks associated with these masts.”
The planning application which is due to be heard at the Planning Committee Meeting on the 17th March, has been met with much public opposition.
Katy urged the parents of Stanley Primary School and local residents to continue their campaign against the mast, particularly in these crucial last few days.