This Is Guernsey

By Nigel Baudains

Bella Farrell holds Libby, 2, while Esme, 4, and Alec, 6, play behind. Also pictured, left to right, are Owen Le Tissier, Deputy David De Lisle, Jenny Ridley and Fiona Le Tissier in front of the offending mast. (Picture by John O’Neill, 0617039)

TEMPORARY mobile phone mast in a field opposite Fort Grey is not needed, according to people living nearby.

The Airtel-Vodafone equipment was delivered to the site on Monday and installation work began yesterday.

Bella Farrell said the mast was unnecessary, unsightly and possibly unhealthy. She said she represented the many mothers who enjoyed the beach with their children.

‘What makes this so painful is that there is no obvious need for it,’ she said. ‘I challenge anyone in Guernsey to tell me why they need its technological advantages.’

But Airtel-Vodafone chief executive Iain Williams said the mast was needed as its coverage in the area was poor.

Permission has been given for the mast to be there for between 12 and 18 months.

Mrs Farrell, who opposed the application, said the mast was a blot on the landscape.

‘I think there is very little that the ordinary person can do now and the whole thing seems a fait accompli. Objecting was a useless exercise.’

Owen Le Tissier, of the No More Masts campaign group, said it was technology that the people of Rocquaine did not need or want.

West deputy David De Lisle said Airtel Vodafone had made applications for two permanent masts in the area during his time as Environment minister. He said the temporary structure would only be a precursor to something permanent.

‘I hope they [the planners] will use common sense and realise that this is an area of natural beauty frequented by many people, including young children, and decide against,’ he said. ‘I will be totally against anything permanent going up.’

Article posted on 6th August, 2008 - 2.29pm