Proposed Phone Mast – Update 2

Orange, Marconi and Vodaphone are targeting Molesey.

As of early February 2006, Orange has applied to put a 30-metre mast (almost a hundred feet tall!) near the rugby grandstand on the Police grounds at Imber Court, which Orange says it needs to ‘infill’ some areas of poor reception. The situation has been confused by some rather distorted criticism but MRA Councillor Nigel Cooper has sought assurance from Orange that this mast would make other 15-metre masts unnecessary. If so, it could be supported. Alternatively, he has tasked Elmbridge officers with making strong representations to the Met. Police to have the mast (if it is really needed at all) attached to one of the tall floodlight pylons on the soccer ground.

Some weeks ago Marconi said it wanted to put an antenna on the roof of Belhaven House in Walton Road opposite the entrance to the car park.

We have recently learnt that Vodafone is considering making an application to install a 15-metre mast by the Mole at the rear of Molesey Park Road.

We find it difficult to understand why these companies don’t get together to joint-use masts – it would be cheaper for them and less intrusive for everyone else! MRA Councillor Mike Axton has written to Vodaphone urging this action.

Published on Tuesday, February 14th, 2006
in General Interest