A RALLYING call has gone out to residents to have their say on controversial proposals to build a 57ft phone mast outside Longbridge Methodist Church.
People have until Wednesday (March 11) to put their views forward to Birmingham City Council ahead of a decision on the plans by Vodafone Ltd for a mast, base station, six antennas and associated equipment on the footpath outside the church.
On Monday (March 2), a protest by church users and children from the nursery based there was held and on Tuesday, Coun Andy Cartwright submitted a 150-strong petition to the council.
Campaigners say the mast will be unsightly and will cause an obstruction on the pathway, used by parents with puschairs.
They also say it will also be detrimental to drivers coming in and out of the church car park as their view of traffic will be obscured.
And they claim, with all the development taking place in Longbridge, there were more appropriate sites the mobile operator could use.
Church treasurer Philip Osborn said: “I would urge anyone who wants to support us to get their views into the council before March 11.”
A Vodafone spokesperson said customers expected to use their mobiles and devices where they lived, worked and travelled, adding base stations, which were low powered devices, only covered half-a-mile radius.
She added therefore, base stations were needed close to customers and the site in Longbridge had been identified as one where coverage needed to be improved.
Anyone wanting more information on the campaign and how to get involved should call Philip Osborn on 0121 453 7294.
Those wanting more on the application or to have their say on the proposal should visit the planning section of www.birmingham.gov.uk and type it the application number – 2015/01159/PA.
