Residents are dismayed by news that mobile phone company 02 plans to put more antennae masts on top of Ludlow’s former telephone exchange.
The Bishop Mascall Centre is across the road from the Ludlow automatic telephone exchange (ATE) and its director Moira Gibbs said she was deeply concerned by the proposal.
“The problem is that it cannot be proved there is no danger to health,” she said. “There have been reports of cancer clusters near these masts. This is an area with a high population density and many children.”
A letter to Moira from Derby planning consultants Ian Hewitt Associates, acting for 02 UK Ltd, says the location has been chosen because it is “a long established telecommunication facility serving Ludlow”.
The letter, which has not gone to local residents, adds that comments on the proposal are invited so that views can be taken into account before a planning application to South Shropshire District Council.
Alastair Hoddart, of nearby Springfield Close, said he had read the letter and wished to bring its contents to the attention of his neighbours.
“We are on a line with the roof of the building and the signals coming from this mast,” he said.
“There is a school nearby and young people at the Bishop Mascall. We are concerned for the children’s health. I just can’t understand why they don’t put these masts in the countryside – it’s not a visual problem.
“I shall now be taking this letter to all my neighbours,” he added.
02 community relations manager Angela Johnson said: “This proposal is an upgrade to ensure the residents of Ludlow have good mobile communications both now and in the future.
“Mobile phone masts are very low powered radio transmitters and, as such, have to be close to where people want to use their phones.
“The World Health Organisation and the Health Protection Agency say there is no health risk as all the masts have to comply with the international safety standard.
“I am more than happy to meet with local residents if the local councillors would like to get in touch with me.”