Protesters lobby MP against mast
More than 100 protesters in a Shropshire village turned out with their MP to fight against plans for a 12-metre high mobile phone mast near their homes. More than 100 protesters in a Shropshire village turned out with their MP to fight against plans for a 12-metre high mobile phone mast near their homes. Shrewsbury MP Daniel Kawczynski today said it was the largest protest group he had seen in his three years as an MP and he promised to find out why proposals for the mast in Bicton had been submitted. Airwave Solutions has identified the site under a scheme to create a new national digital mobile network to replace the analogue one used by emergency forces in the country. See our photo gallery below and read the full story in today's Shropshire Star

More than 100 protesters in a Shropshire village turned out with their MP to fight against plans for a 12-metre high mobile phone mast near their homes.
Shrewsbury MP Daniel Kawczynski today said it was the largest protest group he had seen in his three years as an MP and he promised to find out why proposals for the mast in Bicton had been submitted.
See our photo gallery below
Airwave Solutions has identified the site under a scheme to create a new national digital mobile network to replace the analogue one used by emergency forces in the country.
But today a parent said it was not clear why the services needed a mast in the village.
She said: "Daniel and his officer are looking into this now and the argument that there is not a black spot.
"The company claim there is black spot in Bicton Heath but we are a mile-and-a-half from Bicton Heath. It's all a bit puzzling and we do not understand why they are trying to put it here in Bicton.
"There must have been more than 100 people with placards and banners. We have got more than 300 signatures on the petition and that's just mine, there are others around the village.
"It's a big petition for such a small area."
Mr Kawczynski, who met the group on Friday, said: "There was a huge turn out. It was one of the biggest I have seen in my three years as MP with people protesting about planning applications or masts.
"I met with the people whose houses will look onto this giant monstrosity.
"I promised to look into it and ask some questions to the police and emergency services as to why they need this extra mast and why it has been decided to try and put it in that field?
"We need to push back on the planning authorities and the applicants in this case to see whether they cannot come up with a more suitable site which is further away from children."
Resident Brian Downes has contacted Councillor Stuart West, chairman of the Shropshire Fire Authority.
He said: "I live within 600 metres of it and my five-year-old son attends Bicton School, which is 500 metres from the site of the mast.
"I think members of the police and fire authority have some influence on whether this mast is needed or not."
Mr West said he would look into the matter this week to find out more details.
Airwave Solutions has previously said the mast is needed exclusively for emergency services.
A public meeting is being held in the village hall tomorrow at 7pm.
By Rebecca Lawrence
Banners put up in protest over plans for a mast.
Shrewsbury MP Daniel Kawczynski addresses the crowd.
Demonstrators at the site of the proposed mast in Bicton.