Billericay district councillorshave pledged toinvestigate residents' concernsover more than 25 communications masts in and around the town.

A number of residents spoke of their anger and worry over the increasing number of masts shooting up during the debate requested by Phil Turner (Con, Billericay West) at the town's area committee.

The councillors, while listening and agreeing with many of the points made, were forced to admit that under current Government regulations, they are almost powerless to object to them.

Concerned residents suggested a variety of strategies for the councillors to follow to combat what many of them saw as both a visual and health problem.

Mr Turner admitted that the area committee and council had a "patchy" record with regard to mobile phone masts - but pledged that the Conservative administration would work hard to sort the matter out.

Residents suggested companies should share masts to reduce their number, while councillors admitted they needed to form a whole new plan to combat the issue.

Published Monday, January 27, 2003

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