Longbridge mobile phone mast protesters pledge to continue campaign
Protesters at Longbridge Methodist Church are opposing the installation of a mobile phone mast
MEMBERS of a nursery and church group have slammed a decision by Birmingham planners to allow a mobile telephone mast to be built on their doorstep.
Parents, neighbours and the congregation of Longbridge Methodist Church, Bristol Road South, gathered around 400 signatures opposing the 12 metre Vodafone mast just yards from the church’s front door.
But two weeks ago Birmingham City Council planning committee took the decision to allow the mast which could now be erected at any time.
Opponents to the scheme gathered at the church on Monday to voice their disapproval and have vowed to continue fighting the application.
Reverend Mary Shannahan from the church said the view of local people seemed to have been ignored in the planning process.
She said: “This is a community church, we have hundreds of people coming through the doors every week.
“Over 400 people signed the petition and out voices are not being heard - they’ve taken the decsion to ignore the concerns of the local people.
“We want them to ensure the safety of the young people and those who use the church facilities.”
Brian Kite, secretary of the Jelly Babies Nursery, which is run at the church, said: “From our point of view we have 50 children coming here walking past the mast.
“It hasn’t been proven completely the isn’t any harm in connection with them.
“There are three schools within half a mile of it so pupils will be walking twice a day past it so we are concerned about the children.
“We’re very dismayed and annoyed.”
Coun Andy Cartwright (Lab, Longbridge) said he was not against phone masts but said a better place should have been found.
He said: “We all have mobile phones but they should think about where they put them and outside a place of worship is disgusting.
“The people here have voices and they should be listened to.”
A spokesman for Birmingham City Council said the decision had been taken following correct planning procedures.
He said: “All planning decisions are taken by considering al material considerations and set against relevant planning legislation.
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“There is a legal process in place for anyone who wants to object to appeal against a decision taken by the planning committee.”
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