Plaid Cymru politician Jill Evans has today (Monday 23rd) hit out against the Labour Government’s refusal to release a report carried out by Reading University in 2005 regarding the extent of pre-planning consultation by mobile phone operators with local people, and their adherence to Government guidelines when erecting such masts.

Jill Evans MEP said:

"The Labour Government is actively suppressing information which should be in the public domain. They are covering up for the telecommunications companies who continue to erect phone masts while openly flouting Government guidelines, and ignoring the wishes of communities affected by the masts. Yvette Cooper, the Planning Minister criticized Vodafone for failing to carry out pre- planning Consultation in her own Constituency, but has so far still refused to release this very important report."

Jill Evans MEP added:

"I have been working with groups all over Wales, and also groups in the Rhondda who have not been consulted regarding the erection of mobile phone masts in their area. This should not be allowed to happen. This report should be made available to the public, but in accordance to this, a full Council meeting should take place in every Council Nationwide to discuss applications, and to make sure that consultation takes place. The situation as it stands cannot go on."

Christine Slatter, one of those campaigning against mobile phone masts in the Ynyshir area of Rhondda said:

"I am very annoyed that mobile phone companies and the local Council haven’t put measures in place to take our concerns as local people seriously. We are expected to accept these masts without complaining, even though there are concerns about the health affects of masts on people in areas where lots of masts are erected. It’s unacceptable."

Jill Evans works with groups researching the health implications of TETRA masts and mobile phone masts. If you are concerned about masts in your area, or proposed masts, then please contact her at the Rhondda Office on 01443 441395.