There was a strong turnout last week at the meeting organised by local Lib Dem councillors in Alexandra ward over the controversial and unpopular plans by Vodafone to install a phone mast and base station on the pocket park at the junction of Albert Road and Durnsford Road.

At the meeting, organised by Lib Dem councillor Wayne Hoban and chaired by Lib Dem councillor Susan Oatway, there was disappointment and anger among residents over the failure of Vodafone to agree to attend a meeting on the issue. Company bosses have said they would only consider a round table meeting with local ward councillors and officers, and a small number of local residents. The meeting rejected this option completely, arguing that Vodafone should meet with all the residents – or none at all. Residents agreed to write to the company to oppose Vodafone’s plans, expressing their strong objections on health and safety grounds.

Cllr Wayne Hoban, who has received many letters from his constituents on the proposals, comments:

“This meeting once again showed the strength of feeling on this issue. Local residents do not want this mast on an open public space, and we will continue to press the company to withdraw the plans. There is also genuine dismay that Vodafone would not come and met all the residents, which does not bode well for a constructive dialogue with the company.”