Some residents received a consultation document a few days ago from Badcock Network Ltd. concerning a proposal to erect a mobile phone mast for O2 in Wellgeen Lane.

An attempt to install a mobile phone mast in the middle of the village will, I feel, fill many residents with dismay.

Only a few months ago O2 tried to get permission to install a mast on the side of the Downs. This was rejected on the grounds that the selected position was located in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Why the company thinks that the middle of Kingston, a beautiful downland village inside a National Park, is a more acceptable position, beggars belief.

The plan suggests that the mast (some 15m tall, in the form of a mock telegraph pole) together with the service cabinet, would be sited on the grass verge between the entrance to Snednore and the village school. This area already suffers from many problems associated with fast traffic, parking difficulties, carved up verges and regular flooding.

Surely, in the light of the uncertainty regarding associated health hazards, it would be wise to oppose such an installation, particularly in the light of its close proximity to the school and residents’ homes.

A copy of the consultation document is on display in the village notice board, outside the village hall and can be accessed on both the Village and the Steering Committee websites. Also,you are very welcome to inspect my copy.
Diana Arlett