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Parents worry over mobile phone mast 'health risks'
SCHOOLCHILDREN would be put in danger if a mobile phone mast is put up close to a school, claim worried parents.
More than 100 have signed a petition against plans for a mobile phone mast just yards from Iford and Kingston Primary School.
O2 wants to put up a 15 metre tall mast in Wellgreen Lane.
The mobile phone giant has not applied for planning permission but a spokesman told the Express it intended to lodge an application with Lewes District Council soon.
Last month 02 sent out letters to residents advising them of the proposal for the mast, which would be disguised as a telegraph pole.
Since then 119 parents of pupils at the primary school, and 225 residents have signed a petition against the bid.
Stephen Elliot, headteacher of Iford and Kingston Primary School, has met with school governors and written to O2 calling for the proposal to be scrapped.
The letter to 02 stated: 'There is a wealth of anecdotal evidence of people near base stations being affected by headaches, insomnia, nausea and in worst cases, cancer.
'There is clearly a lack of scientific research into the possible effects on children.
'Research has shown clearly there are gaps in our knowledge.
'While there is a risk, however minimal, it would seem illogical to plan a mast so near to a school.
'Even if just one child suffered headaches or nausea as a result of the mast it would be too high a price to pay.'
O2 previously told the Express it wanted to improve phone reception in the area and had been unable to get permission for masts elsewhere.
A spokesman for O2 dismissed safety fears.
He said: 'It's perfectly safe. All the scientific investigations have found there is absolutely nothing to suggest mobile phone emissions have negative effect on people's health and safety.'
Mr Elliot said the school and governors would oppose the application.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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