Protest over Mobile Phone Mast in Coagh - Armstrong
Ulster Unionist Assembly candidate for Mid Ulster, Billy Arrmstrong has joined with residents in Coagh in their protest against the erection of a mobile phone mast in Coagh, which is near to the local primary school.
Billy said: “I am totally opposed to the erection of this mast near to the local school and an alternative site should be found which is not in close proximity to young children. The entire community are rightly worried about the health of their children and a petition with over 200 signatories has been lodged with the Planning Service.
It is my view that there should be a change in the law that masts should be a safe distance from children. In Europe and the USA there are 500 metre exclusion zones and this is what is required in Northern Ireland. There is increasing evidence that radiation from mobile telephone masts was a health hazard and in no circumstances should they be erected near to a school.
Whist I recognise the need for additional mast to improve reception in the area for mobile phone users, it is imperative that an alternative site should be found which is not in close proximity to young children and I trust the Planners will take account of the strong opposition from Coagh residents and not permit this application.”