Singing protest over mobile masts

A group of mothers will be singing in protest over plans to erect six mobile phone masts in north London.

The group from Muswell Hill claims the area already has 30 masts and the latest proposal would put another one within 400 metres of nurseries.

They will sing their version of Pink Floyd's hit Another Brick in the Wall, with the line: "Hey, Vodafone, leave our kids alone".

The mobile phone firm says the masts emit no more power than a light bulb.

Haringey Council gave permission for the plans last December after consultation with residents. Work to put up the antennae is due to finish by the end of April.

We object to our children being used as guinea pigs until there is clear evidence that these masts are safe Mother Sarah Purdy

The protest comes ahead of a bill due to get its second reading in the Commons this week, which aims to prevent mobile phone companies from putting up masts without consulting local communities.

Group spokeswoman Sarah Purdy said they had spent the weekend practising the song.

"It's not that were against mobiles but there's plenty of industrial and waste ground in the area where these masts could be built, rather than overshadowing two primary schools, a school for autistic children, and four nurseries," she said.

"We object to our children being used as guinea pigs until there is clear evidence that these masts are safe and the official reports back us up."

Residents' objections

A Vodafone spokeswoman said it did not matter whether the masts were one metre or 1,000 metres away from residents it was "all about power levels".

"We're talking about a power level of 150 watts which is a bit like a powerful light bulb," she said.

"It's important to note, no mobile phone masts, no mobile phones."

A spokeswoman from Haringey Council said: "The plan had been refused on appeal in 2002 and was recommended for approval this time because the antennae will be concealed by a chimney."

She said the council had received 15 objections against the plan.