Mobile phone operators tried to calm safety fears over mobile phone masts being put up in Castle Point - but they were unable to convince borough councillors.
In a lively debate, representatives from telecommunications firms Hutchison and Orange gave a talk and held a question-and-answer session at the council offices in Kiln Road, Thundersley.
Mike Davies, Hutchison's community affairs manager, told the council that microwave radiation and energy levels from a mobile phone base station were so low that the risk to people's health was negligible.
Mr Davies pointed out that a report by the Government's chief scientific officer, Sir William Stewart, said the energy emitted by mobile phone base stations and masts does not have an ill-effect on people.
"However, the report did go on to say the gaps in scientific knowledge are sufficient to justify a precautionary approach," he admitted to councillors.
Tony Belford (Con, Canvey West) retorted: "People aren't worried about now, they are worried about what might happen in 20 years' time.
"People need assurance this technology is completely safe. Or will they, in 30 years' time, be dying of thromboses?"
Mr Davies replied: "It is impossible to give a 100 per cent guarantee."
Published Thursday October 24, 2002
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