Airtel runs into another protest

MORE than 100 people signed a petition in a day protesting at Guernsey Airtel's plans to add equipment to an existing mast at Les Hubits Farm, Les Traudes, St Martin's. The mobile phone company, which is working against a strict Office of Utility Regulation deadline to launch its delayed service, wants to put three antennae and a dish on the mast and build a base cabinet on the ground.

But the petition, organised by school PTA chairman Caroline Bradley, received huge support on its first day.

'Environmental Health is saying that it follows the necessary guidelines, but who sets them and are they safe?' said Mrs Bradley.

Places such as Sweden, Australia and New Zealand worked to different guidelines and she questioned whether Guernsey recognised the electro-sensitivity aspect as the World Health Organisation does.

'If it does, how many of the local population are affected?' she said.

'I question whether Guernsey is complying with its duty of care by relying on UK guidelines and recommendations that have been funded by the telecoms industry.'

Husband Mike said environmental health officer Tony Rowe had said that there was minimal risk to islanders.

'If it's a luxury item that few people in the parish are going to use, why do we need it at all?' he said.

Farm owner Jeremy Le Cocq declined to comment.

Joan and Mike Rouget live opposite the existing mast.

'My husband's immune system is already shot to pieces and the health factor is a big concern to us,' said Mrs Rouget.

John Geering and his family live about 350 yards away. 'It was a mistake to allow this mast so close to dwellings in the first place, but if Environment is minded to permit the extra installations, then it would be a good time to admit the mistake and resite the mast,' he said.

Tim Hamon is also worried.

'I've not been at the cutting edge of the debate, but I do have concerns,' he said. 'I need to find out more for the sake of my family. If there is a risk, we need to do something before it's too late.'

Andrew Dovey and partner Sue Creber have two children, Sophie, 3, and Luke, 1.

'With our children growing up in the area we need to find out more information about possible problems,' said Mr Dovey.

Mrs Bradley wants a working party of politicians to be set up to ensure that a best practice policy is implemented regarding such installations and wants a precautionary approach to be adopted.

'We are not saying to people that you can't use mobile phones, but we are questioning whether everybody should be exposed to these emissions,' she said.

A major concern was the higher frequency of 3G technology and even a perceived health risk represented a loss of amenity, she said. Mrs Bradley hopes to be able to hand in her petition to Environment today.