Statement by the Mayor of Llanidloes

In response to public concern over the proposed siting of a TETRA mast in Llanidloes, the Mayor, Councillor Edward Breeze, called a public meeting on the 8th April 2004.

At this meeting in the Community Centre, a local police Inspector explained why the emergency services needed a better system of communication. Local objectors then outlined why they resented its siting in the middle of town: their main concerns were potential health risks and lack of public consultation.

This assembly empowered an Action Group to fight the proposed mast. The Group's very successful anti-TETRA campaign has raised public awareness, not just in Llanidloes but throughout Wales. A protest march to the mast received media coverage from BBC Wales, HTV and S4C, and all the local papers reported the demonstration. The Group is now engaged in a national campaign to rid Wales of TETRA masts.

The Group includes several town councillors. Both local politicians, Lembit Opik MP and Mick Bates AM, as well as the Town Council, support our community campaign. It was Lembit Opik who planned a public meeting for 26th July 2004, and had arranged for representatives of MMO2 and NRPB to address the townsfolk. However, MMO2 pulled out just days before the meeting, claiming they feared for their employees' safety! Nevertheless, the meeting went ahead and was packed. The following day, a delegation from Llanidloes travelled to London to confront MMO2 management, courtesy of Lembit Opik MP.

The issues raised at that meeting have yet to be resolved. Meanwhile, both the Action Group and the Town Council are committed to removing the TETRA mast from Llanidloes.

Edward Breeze, Mayor of Llanidloes, 5th August 04.

Llanidloes v TETRA :: The Players

TETRA

Acronym for Terrestrial Trunked Radio, a secure communications system for the emergency services, using both conventional land cables and low-frequency electromagnetic radiation (the controversial technology).

Llanidloes

A small, friendly and intelligent, historic market town at the heart of Mid Wales, where the mighty Severn rises.

Campaign

Now designated 'the TETRA offensive'.

MMO2

Brand name O2 or Airwave, mobile communications Company, contracted by the government to install a network of 3200 TETRA transceiver stations throughout the UK by 2005.

NRPB

National Radiological Protection Board, ostensibly independent scientific consultants commissioned by government to test low-frequency radiation hazards; formerly partially-funded by the government.