Anger at plans for phone mast in church spire

nlnews@archant.co.uk
15 June 2005

Protesters outside Holy Trinity where a phone mast may be installed in the spire

A CHURCH spire may be rented out to a mobile phone company - to house a phone mast.

The Reverend Lawrence Hill, of Holy Trinity Vicarage, in Church Lane, East Finchley, is considering proposals - to the annoyance of local residents - to have a 3G mobile phone mast installed in the church spire for an annual fee of around £10,000.

Like the pressure group Muswell Hill Against the Masts, residents are concerned by the health risks of a powerful masts on their doorsteps - not to mention the incursion on their parish.

David Broome, 55, an electrical engineer from Church Lane, said: "Everybody has been up in arms about it. We are absolutely gob-smacked. We have organised a petition of well over 100 people."

Patti Owens, a psychotherapist who lives opposite the church, said: "They are meant to consider the interests of the local community. We could have a community effort to help the church. I would not want my grandchildren to come round with a mast there."

Mrs Owens added: "The symbolism of having a mast stuck in a church tower like this is incredible. I feel particularly humiliated by this outfit I am meant to be a part of."

Melvyn Friend, 50, of Manor Park Road, who works in special effects, said: "I don't think Reverend Hill has thought about the effect of putting a mast in. He added: "It's sensitive because it's in a church which is a place of worship that brings people together."

Reverend Hill refused to comment on the matter. But the Parochial Church Council issued a statement saying: "The Parochial Church Council was approached some months ago with a proposal for the erection of a mobile phone mast at Holy Trinity Church. It has decided to explore the possibility further without any commitment at this stage.

"The Parochial Church Council was pleased to hear the views of local people and will take them into account in coming to a final decision later in the year."

william.lee@archant.co.uk