Cllr Ann Holtom backs local residents' objections to Eachelhurst Road Phone Mast

8.30.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 23rd Jul 2008

A telecommunications mast, similar to the one proposed for Eachelhurst road

Liberal Democrat Councillor for Tyburn Ward, Ann Holtom, has formally sent an objection to Birmingham Council planning department, backing residents fears about the proposed replacement telecommunications mast on land opposite 197 Eachelhurst Road (application ref no N/03481/08/NOT).

In June this year a West Midlands community called for a mobile phone mast to be torn down after it emerged that 34 people living near it have caught cancer. Ofcom, the communications watchdog, said the area around the mast, in Kingswinford, had the highest radiation levels of any site it had tested. Ofcom stressed that the figures remained "well within" legal guidelines but high radiation levels worry residents who prefer safety first.

Cllr Holtom has registered strong objections to the application on the grounds of the mast's proximity to the local park and residents' homes. The planning department has confirmed they have formally noted Cllr Holtom's objections on behalf of the local community.