On Monday 27th March, Jo Churchill MP convened a residents meeting at Stowmarket Town Council to discuss plans for a new mobile phone mast to be installed at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre. The meeting brought together residents of the Chiltern Estate with representatives from Mid Suffolk District Council, including new Chief Executive Arthur Charvonia and Cllr Barry Humphreys and, a representative from Telefonica Ltd responsible for the installation and maintenance of the mast. The meeting was a chance for local residents to raise their concerns and see their queries answered.
Discussing the meeting afterwards, Jo Churchill MP said:
“I am pleased to have been able to bring concerned residents, the local council and the telecommunications company together this morning. The installation of a new mobile phone mast in Stowmarket has caused serious concerns for local residents and, therefore, it was absolutely right to call this meeting.
Convening the meeting gave residents and representatives the opportunity to raise issues they felt had not been addressed, including the visual impact of the mast on the local area. Exploring the need for local connectivity, the concerns of the community were measured and allowed for robust discussions between groups.
The meeting concluded with the need to, in these circumstances, look again at the process in which local decisions, including the need to deliver improved connectivity, are taken. This will ensure the interests of the local community are given their full consideration."