UNWILLINGNESS by companies looking to erect a mast in Uley to consult with concerned residents has sparked a public backlash.

More than 80 residents attended a public meeting in the village earlier this month hoping to hear answers from the companies seeking permission for the 12.5 metre high mast on the edge of the village.

However they were left disappointed when no one from either Vodafone or the telecommunications giant’s agent Maxema showed up. 

Invitations had also been sent to them for two previous meetings but they also went unanswered.

Concerns have been raised about the potential health impacts for those living closest to the proposed mast at Whitecourt reservoir and the impact the structure could have on the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Stroud district councillor Jim Dewey (Green, Coaley and Uley) said that the only way these concerns could be allayed was through the firms engaging with residents.

“They have informed Stroud planning department, myself as district councillor and Uley Parish Council but I can’t see how this counts as true public consultation,” he said.

“Over 80 people turned up at the last village meeting and they wanted answers to questions.

“It is not up to the parish council to provide answers, they [Maxema and Vodafone] should have responded and sent someone along to the meetings.”

A similar view is held by Uley Parish Council which has objected to the mast proposal, describing the lack of consultation as “unacceptable”.

Neither Vodafone nor Maxema Ltd were able to provide a comment.

The application can be found at stroud.gov.uk/apps/planning using reference S.17/1646/TEL