A FEW months ago, my objections to additions to the Malvern TV and Radio Transmitter mast were treated with no little ribaldry and amusement at a meeting of the Malvern Hills District Council and its planning department.
Indeed, this was coupled with stupid comments rather than a direct and sensible reply to my objection.
One member councillor even proposed that any future applications were granted to allow any additions to the mast without referring it for MHDC approval.
So instead of a polite refusal to my objection, I was also given a metaphorical backhander for my trouble.
I feel that the credibility of the council will be in full focus when it considers the applications and objections to any of the masts in the proposed Vodafone jungle.
My feeling is that the MHDC will not be concerned with health fears voiced by members of its flock. They will, as is the case with most authorities, simply declare that "it is not proven that radio masts are detrimental to health".
That leaves positioning. If they can simply ignore objections to added extras to the only man- made eyesore, apart from the quarries, that can be seen visibly from many miles away on our beautiful hills, to avoid being shown up as hypocrites they must overrule all objections.
I believe that will not be case. However, I do hope that for once the MHDC thinks extremely carefully and gives the people they represent the opportunity to decide if they do or do not want an 18-metre radio mast on their doorstep.
And may I remind the communities that if their councillor decides to vote against their wishes give them a sharp reminder at the next council elections.
RICHARD W BROWN,
Malvern.
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