Victory for people power
CHRYSTON and Muirhead residents claimed a victory this week after a bid to extend a mobile phone mast near a primary school was blocked.
Telecommunications firm Arqiva had applied to North Lanarkshire Council for a 3metre extension to the 22.5metre mast near Drumcavel Road and St Barbara's Primary School.
They had also applied for the addition of three antennae and an equipment cabinet.
A spokesperson for Chryston Community Council said: "We are really happy with the outcome.
"We objected to the mast going up in the first place.
"We tried to find out about the radiation effects in 1996 and were told there was nothing to worry about.
"But we were not convinced and were worried about the effects it could have on the children."
Local councillor Joe Shaw said he supports the community council's campaign and thanked his colleagues at North Lanarkshire Council for refusing the application.
He said: "It's a good decision. No one has convinced us that there is not a link to radiation from these masts.
"We will need to wait and see the outcome when the company appeals the council's decision."
David Porch, director of planning and environment at North Lanarkshire Council, said: "The application was refused on the grounds that the increase in height of the existing telecommunications mast would be detrimental to the amenity of the area, in that the higher mast would be more visible to residents of Muirhead and Mount Ellen and the primary school."
A spokesperson for Arqiva said: "We are disappointed the extension has been refused and will discuss this with O2, on whose behalf we are seeking this change.
"It is thought the development of existing towers is preferable to additional towers being built."
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Weather for Kirkintilloch
Sunday 05 February 2012
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 0 C to 7 C
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Wind direction: South west
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Sunny spells
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