Power to the people

As reported in last week's Herald, many people living near the Charmandean Centre in Forest Road were strongly against plans by Vodafone to put a mobile phone mast on the centre's roof.

And people-power saved the day '“ after realising just how strongly people were against the plans, the management committee of the Charmandean Centre contacted Vodafone to say they were pulling the plug on the plans.

Brian Hill, manager of the centre, said: "We were only looking at the idea before we went any further, but after seeing the response we got, we have decided not to go ahead. We have confirmed with Vodafone we will not be going ahead."

Residents were delighted to hear the mast would not be going up near their homes as they were worried about any health implications the mast may have. Roger Hinxman, of Upper Brighton Road, said: "I am relieved and it worked very well that we got together and the centre realised we were against the mast. I am just worried now they are going to put it somewhere else."

Kelinda Baylis, also of Upper Brighton Road, said: "The chairman of the centre contacted me to say they would not be going ahead. It was a great concern and this news is brilliant."