Controversial Hanworth Road Phone Mast Moved

12.29.23pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 7th Nov 2005

After exploring a variety of options in response to local public opinion - following a campaign by Vincent Cable MP, local Heathfield councillors and residents - Vodafone have agreed to move the site of a controversial mast to a less sensitive location in the Hanworth Road, away from residential property.

Vincent Cable said that Vodafone had "shown a considerable willingness to explore other alternatives and to meet the concerns of the local community. If other mobile phone companies took their Code of Best Practice as seriously there would be much less aggravation over this issue. The local community has shown that it is possible, through persistent campaigning, to get a better outcome from mobile phone companies."

Vincent Cable added that the Vodafone exercise had also highlighted the refusal of one large private landlord - British Land - to host a mast on its industrial estate and the refusal of Hounslow Council to allow any mast on its land.