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.......^th ......... 200.....

Your Ref: ......................

Our Ref: .......................

Dear Sir

RE: TELECOMMUNICATION INSTALLATION AT ......................................

We have been asked to make representation on behalf of local residents concerning your proposal to allow the installation of a mobile phone mast on your land.

We understand that the operator in question has made efforts to inform you about the health risks and it is obvious they have been very persuasive, as is their job, otherwise we are sure you would not be considering forcing this mast onto local residents and your neighbours.

It is very difficult to explain the situation in a short letter, however, if you need any points clarified then you are welcome to contact us. At the moment there are Government guidelines that recommend the levels of emissions from mobile phone masts, although research is continuing, it is unlikely that the issue of what constitutes a safe level for emissions will be resolved until after that research is complete, which we understand is unlikely to be before the middle of 2006. In any event the present guidelines do not take into account the biological effects of emissions, and it is that aspect that gives us our greatest concern.

Antenna's produce microwaves, we all know what these do, they defrost our bread, warm up our food, cook our dinners, we know they HEAT. The emissions from these installations are the same, except of a much lower strength, so they do not heat the body up quite so much, although the emissions still have an effect on our bodies, but none considered to be a problem by the various Government bodies. As long as masts produce emissions below a set level they say its okay, that is what the guidelines control. However, heating is not the only effect of microwaves. The non-heating effects which scientists have now demonstrated have a biological effect on living cells (they change the cell and how it works) are NOT regulated in this country, so there are no statutory measures, more importantly little control over emission levels. The operators do not accept that there is a non-thermal effect even though there is now vast amounts of research information (much of it peer reviewed) by eminent internationally respected scientists, proving there is a link. The Government now accept that these health risks are an issue and are investing �7.5 million into researching the effects of mobile phone technology (a drop in the ocean to what is really needed).

Mast Sanity is currently collecting evidence from several sites across the United Kingdom where ill-health clusters (including some cancers) have become obvious around masts (base Stations) that have been up between 4 and 6 years. When you consider the fact that smoking kills usually after 20 to 40 years of non-stop smoking and that asbestosis kills 20 years or so after exposure this is a very frightening situation. We are talking less than 10 years for the first cancers to be obvious what is it going to be like in 20 years? However, some sections of the scientific community believe that cancer is the end result. What the scientists say (and this bit is accepted by the National Radiological Protection Board (now OFCOM) and the Government) is that very low-level radiation (the same as the emissions from masts) affects the level of one of our hormones, Melatonin. Melatonin basically keeps us asleep at night and then hoovers up all the toxins in our system, including the cancer cells that we all produce. Eventually the cancer cells can collect together and can cause cancer. However, before that happens those affected often report instances of headaches, dizziness, nosebleeds, lack of concentration and behavioural problems, the list seems to be endless. The very young and the elderly are more susceptible to all these illnesses. There is also evidence that emissions can cause chromosomal problems, therefore links to birth defects and miscarriage have been made.

There is also another problem that has been reported. Unlike television waves and radio waves from other telecommunication units whose waves are continuous, mobile phone emissions PULSE. The frequency at which they pulse closely resembles the frequency of the electrical pulses of the brain. It is suggested that this is why there are increased reports of epilepsy, depression, headaches, migraines etc in communities/schools that have masts.

Mobile phone technology is a new developing industry. There has been no full and developed research program into the long-term effects - there hasn't been time. Please treat this issue seriously and reconsider allowing this mast being placed on your land in a location that is likely to effect the natural and human environments.

Insurance companies rarely insure against public liability from emissions, a typical exclusion clause is set out below, this has a tangible effect for landowners. If at some point in the future a specific ill health effect is proven to have been caused either directly or indirectly from an installation on your land will mean that you could be personally liable in damages to the entire community that is affected, this could in a single case run to �100thousands, if several people are affected then the potential damages could run into the �millions. We therefore advise you to seek legal advise, as well as inquiring of your insurance broker whether you will be (or are) covered by public liability insurance for the effects of telecommunication emissions, beamed from, and to your land. Should you wish to continue to allow these installations on your property, then you would be well advised to seek professional advise as to whether you have done everything that is reasonably possible to protect the local community and others from the effects of those emissions.

Insurance clause

Australia's leading insurance company, Mercantile Mutual is reported to have objected to plans by Vodafone to build a transmitting tower on its Sydney office block. In its formal objection it said:

And of course due to the publicity over the potential ill health effects you will not be able to claim you were unaware of the potential dangers. Indeed the fact that you have received this letter, is evidence that you have been alerted to the risk, and therefore appropriate action should be taken on your part to ensure that you do all that is reasonable to prevent emissions (and/or other dangers) from adversely affecting those that may be susceptible to ill health effects, particularly those in special high risk categories such as children and the elderly. Such a failure to take positive action would in all probability be seen by the courts as negligence.

Health effects aside there is going to be a lot of local opposition and many land owners become pariahs -this is something that you must be made aware of. Your neighbours will not accept this mast. Mobile Phone masts may put money in your pocket, however, it steals it from other people as having a mobile phone mast next to your house, due to heightened public awareness, often makes property unsaleable - at the very least it reduces the value of property, including your own (research suggests up to 25%). Many businesses are finding that they are being boycotted by local residents if they have accepted one or more masts on their property. Many landowners are now deciding that the local community is more important than personal financial gain.

You may question information included in this letter, however we would urge you to check for yourself WEB sites such as Mast Sanity at http://www.mastsanity.org and http://www.powerwatch.org.uk. You will find lots of information there as well as useful links to other sites which may help you understand the problem in more depth. Please double check how accurate the information that operators supply, after all it is in their interest to put these masts up. We also urge you not to take our word but to seek clarification from the operator by requesting they state categorically in writing that there is no danger from the emissions from mobile phone masts and that they accept full liability for any future claims against you (many other landowners have requested such assurances, to our knowledge none have ever received any satisfactory assurance).