RESIDENTS have voiced their opposition to proposals for a new phone mast in Faifley.

West Dunbartonshire Council planners gave “prior development” approval last month to the 20m-high monopole antenna, dish and four equipment cabinets just past the junction of Faifley Road and Douglas Muir Road.

The proposal, meant to improve 4G coverage and maintain 2G/3G signals, is not yet a full planning application.

Vodafone Limited and Telefónica UK Limited (O2) applied for the base station after considering a number of sites.

But Faifley Community Council was amongst the objectors, stating: “The emissions from these masts are not stopped by bricks and mortar. Closing your door and shutting your windows does not protect you.

“Many eminent scientists argue that there is a link between cancer/leukaemia and the siting of these masts.

“Based in (sic) this we will strongly oppose this mast and suggest Vodafone try Bearsden or Milngavie for such a project.”

Vodafone have been approached for comment.

Kilpatrick SNP Cllr Jim Finn told the Post: “I’m against phone masts. They can’t guarantee they’re going to improve your network. We can object but have always been knocked back by the [planning] reporter.”

But on health concerns he added: “Nobody can prove it’s bad for you. We all have mobile phones - there will be more risk from phones to your ear than masts.”

Labour Cllr Douglas McAllister said: “I can’t understand why the council has given prior approval to the phone mast. The SNP convener of the planning committee is Cllr Finn. The SNP promised to be open and transparent before the council election this year, now that they are in office they seem to be doing the opposite.”