CAMPAIGNERS are hoping a protest walk against Airtel’s proposed application for 56 masts will attract as many as last year’s to Save Belle Greve Bay. Thousands of islanders flocked to Salerie Corner on 26 November to protest against Long Port’s ‘Little Venice’ proposals.

The mast protest will take place on Sunday 19 August at 2pm.

A strong activist against Airtel Guernsey’s plans for more aerials, dishes and masts, Moira Le Huray said she would not miss it for the world.

‘We certainly hope to attract as many as they did with the Belle Greve Bay march last year: perhaps this will be even bigger,’ she said.

She added that she believed the march could have considerable political impact.

‘Absolutely. It’s about the power of people showing themselves and their beliefs publicly. It will be a very positive event.’

The walk has been arranged following several public meetings, including in the Vale and St Martin’s, where islanders have expressed their anxiety over the health and environmental effects of the masts.

Deputy Mary Lowe, who was the only States member to attend a public meeting between Vale residents and Airtel managing director David Watson earlier this week, welcomed the protest.

‘There is no doubt that many feel quite strongly about all the 56 proposed applications with some people wanting to go further than attend another meeting, hence the idea of a protest walk,’ she said.

Environment minister David De Lisle has promised to accept a second set of petition signatures from anti-mast campaigners at the end of the march.

‘I had agreed take the previous set of signatures when they came to Sir Charles Frossard House last time because that’s just a matter of taking something from a group, which is fair enough,’ said Deputy De Lisle.

But he would not comment on the march itself.

Mr Watson also refused to comment.