Liberal Democrats have sharply criticised Haringey Labour for blocking a debate on mobile phone masts at last night’s full council. The move caused disappointment to local residents addressing the council last night on the issue and goes against recent practice in the council.

Liberal Democrats had asked that Haringey Council consider the issue along with the two deputations by local residents, so that the groups could hear the debate as has happened over recent issues such as skateboarding and the future of Red Gables family centre in Crouch End. However this was not allowed.

The motion proposed by Lib Dem councillor and Parliamentary spokesperson for Tottenham, Wayne Hoban, would have sent a message to the government that Haringey Council was unhappy with present law in relation to masts. Current law does not allow local councils to bring mobile phone masts under strict planning control or to introduce the ‘precautionary principle’, giving extra safeguards for schools, homes, and medical facilities from the risk of excessive radiation. The move backs a Lib Dem bill, with all-party support, currently moving through Parliament.

Cllr Wayne Hoban comments:

“It is very disappointing to see Labour break with their own conventions to stop the Council taking a view on the issue. Local residents had expected to take a stand and this was cynically blocked. There is real concern over the placing of mobile masts in the borough and pressure needs to be put on the Government to give planning authorities more powers. Local residents will now know that Haringey Labour is simply not willing to put pressure on the government over this issue. We will continue to press for action.”