Stop mobile nuisance calls

MOBILE phone users can now send a text message to opt out of nuisance calls. The 'text-to-register' service allows mobile users to add their number to the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) 'do not call' database.

Those wanting to sign up need to text 'TPS' followed by their email address to the shortcode 78070. They will receive a text reply from the TPS confirming their number has been successfully added to its database.

Registrants should notice a gradual reduction in unsolicited sales and marketing voice calls after a few days, although it can take up to 28 days for the service to become fully effective.

It is illegal for organisations to make unsolicited sales and marketing calls to numbers registered with the TPS, unless they have a person's consent to do so.

Only 48 per cent of people familiar with the TPS are aware that mobile numbers can be registered, compared to 88 per cent for landline phone numbers, according to Ofcom.

The regulator said this helped to explain why only 2.9 million mobile numbers (around 3 per cent) were registered on the TPS database, compared with 18.5 million landline numbers (around 85 per cent).

John Mitchison, head of the TPS, said: "Rogue callers operate illegally and against the interests of ordinary people.

"Texting will make it easier for people to register their mobile numbers on the TPS, which is the only official no-call list, and help us stamp out rogue callers once and for all by giving the Information Commissioner more ammunition to prosecute these cases."

4G phone signals interfering with Freeview - an easy solution

As the latest 4G mobile phone systems are rolled out across our area, some Freeview viewers may experience interference. There's an easy and FREE answer to this. The mobile operators have set up an organisation called at800 (website link here) who can advise, send specialists to deal with the problem, or post you a free filter to fit yourself.

Houses that may be affected should receive a postcard from at800 explaining these free services. Even if you haven't had a postcard, you can contact at800 if you've recently started getting interference.

Here's a useful short video to explain this:

Changes ahead for Rodford Way mobile phone mast

Vodaphone and O2 have been in contact to say that the controversial Rodford Way mobile phone mast will be upgraded for the new 4G network.

It’s not yet clear what the changes will be – they say it might be just extra cabinets, or they might have to increase the height of the mast.

We’ll let you know when we know more about their proposals. Maybe you are concerned, or perhaps you are keen to get 4G in the area - either way, please let Cllr Paul Hulbert know your views on 01454 315851, email paul.hulbert@gmail.com.

Mobiles, wi-fi and more at South Glos libraries

South Gloucestershire libraries have become exciting technology hubs. Free wi-fi access is available at Emersons Green, Bradley Stoke, Yate and Staple Hill libraries, it is free for the public to use with their own laptops or mobile phones.

So next time you need to use your laptop or wi-fi enabled mobile whilst you’re out and about, why not drop in to one of these libraries?

In addition to the wi-fi access at these libraries, all libraries in South Gloucestershire provide free access to the internet through library PCs.

And there's more - puzzled by that new mobile phone? Every Friday during January libraries in South Gloucestershire will also be offering residents lessons on how to use their mobile phones. Although the service is principally aimed at older residents, anyone is welcome to come along and get some free advice at how to operate their new (or old) mobile phones.

The staff providing the advice will be the Future Job Fund trainees from South Gloucestershire Council, who are young people working in the council to gain work experience to help them find a job.

Cllr Heather Goddard, executive member for communities, said: “Over Christmas many people may be given a mobile phone or own one that they don’t really know how to use. Mobile phones are very helpful for emergencies or to keep in contact with other people whilst away from your home. It is great that we are able to use the skills of these young people to help residents get the most from their mobiles.”

Basic instructions will be given on answering, making a call, saving useful phone numbers and sending text messages - South Gloucestershire libraries lk 4wd 2 cn u.

We regret to announce the death of the planning appeal system

The Planning Inspector has decided to overrule South Glos Council and permit yet another mobile phone mast on a short stretch of Rodford Way. Just look at this aerial view. There's already an O2 phone mast built (blue marker), plus approval for a "3" mast as well (yellow). Now the inspector has approved a mast for Vodaphone (red).


Click here to see detailed map from Google Maps.

There's yet another approved "3" site at the eastern end of the main road, just a couple of hundred yards away. And T-Mobile has shown interest in putting a mast a similar distance west.

Is there any fairness in the planning appeal system? Evidently not. We asked South Glos for details of mobile phone applications which had been refused and then went to appeal. Their list included ten urban sites - four of them are in this small cluster. Out of the ten, the planning inspector has allowed nine masts to go ahead.

In other words, if you object to a proposed phone mast, however good the case you make, you have only a one in ten chance of being successful.

The planning inspectors' judgements simply ignore many of the points made by South Glos and the parish and town councils. The inspectors are simply not doing their job - there is a culture that the mobile phone companies' requirements over-ride any other consideration, even if there are alternative, better sites only a few few yards away that haven't been considered.

We have concluded that the Planning Inspectorate is simply not fit for purpose, and needs to be reformed. We have written to John Denham, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. He's the minister responsible, but all he did was pass it on to the Planning Inspectorate's own complaints department - we don't hold out any hope from that direction.

We asked for local comments. Most were unprintable, but Cllr Mandy Sainsbury said "My neighbours and I, living near the proposed Vodafone installation site, are naturally bitterly disappointed by the Planning Inspector's appeal decision".

"However we have all vowed to carry on fighting this decision which flies in the face of a very robust campaign by ourselves, local councils & MP. To that end we have contacted the minister and lodged complaints with the Inspectorate whose decision we deem to be incompetent - we could call it something less polite!"

Just to remind you, we objected on the grounds of overdevlopment, loss of visual amenity, cumulative street clutter and quite simply that Vodaphone hadn't considered nearby less sensitive sites and hadn't even followed the procedure that they are supposed to.

If you wish to add your voice to the protest, you can email the minister at john.denham@communities.gsi.gov.uk

Last few days to object to latest mast in Phone Mast Alley

Giving phone masts the bird

You only have a few days left to object to Vodafone’s appeal to put yet another phone mast on Rodford Way, just yards from the existing O2 mast. Bad news - the closing date is next Wed, 8 April. Good news – you can now do it online. Here's how. First write out your objection. Write a letter with this reference on it: Case APP/P0119/A/09/2098204 They know the site as “Highway Land Junction of Rodford Way and Shire Way, Yate”

Possible grounds for objection include
(a) Overdevelopment – the cumulative impact of FOUR masts in such a short distance – Merlin Way and Harescombe (approved sites), Blaisdon (existing O2 mast) and this new Blaisdon one.
(b) Lack of demonstrated need – Vodafone have only done a desktop exercise – so far as we know they haven’t done any measurements on site. Other sites like Shire Way Community Centre might still be viable.
(c) Network mergers – Vodafone and O2 have just announced that they will be combining their network infrastructure. So why would Vodafone now need a mast next to O2’s?
(d) Lack of consultation – Vodafone did not follow the process they are supposed to – involving local councillors and groups. Even when they did finally meet councillors and other sites were suggested, they paid no attention and just put in an appeal for the same site.

Please use your own words rather than just copying and pasting – standard letters carry less weight. Save your objection letter as a .doc file (Word 2003 – the Planning Inspectorate doesn’t “do” Word 2007’s .docx format!)

Now go to this website: http://tinyurl.com/rodfordmast

At the bottom, it says “Click here to view the documents for this case, and to access facilities to Comment” – click on the link.

On the next screen, click on the FIRST "Comment on this case" link (the second one is for Local Planning Authority use)

Under “Your details” select “Interested Party/Person” and “No” (unless you’ve done this before).

Continue to the screens where you put in your details and upload your letter.

It’s not as complicated as it sounds, honest!

Please send in your comments as soon as possible. We believe we have a real chance of getting this one refused. Your help is vital.

Phone mast alley (Rodford Way) - Vodafone go to appeal

Back in the autumn South Glos rejected Vodafone's application for another phone mast on the Rodford Way frontage of Blaisdon, only a few yards from the existing O2 mast.

Now Vodaphone has slapped in an appeal to the Government inspector for exactly the same site, despite promising local councillors that they would reconsider alternatives.

If they get it, that will mean four masts in a row from Merlin Way down to the Sundridge Park junction - two from 3, one from O2 and this one from Vodafone.

Cllrs Mandy Sainsbury and Paul Hulbert have met the South Glos Council official responsible for mast applications and have been assured that South Glos will oppose the Vodafone application strenuously on the grounds of the cumulative impact of so many masts in such a small area.

We're doing some more research and will keep you updated.

Phone mast alley - the good news and the bad news

Giving phone masts the bird

The good news - following pressure by local councillors, South Glos has rejected Vodafone's notification of another phone mast on ten Rodford Way frontage of Blaisdon, just yards from the existing O2 mast (though Vodafone can still appeal against the decision) S Glos decided that "The addition of the third mast would be visually intrusive and the cumulative impact of the three masts would have a negative impact on the streetscene and would detract from the visual amenity of the area"

We've persuaded Vodafone to reconsider other sites they had previously rejected, and we're waiting to hear back from them. However - the bad news - in the course of investigations, it has emerged that "3"intend to use BOTH their approved sites - the Harescombe corner of Shire Way and the Merlin Way corner of Scott Way - to service their joint network arrangement with T-Mobile. So even if the Vodafone mast eventually goes somewhere else, we'll have three masts in a row anyway. We are NOT impressed by South Gloucestershire's handling of phone mast applications. They are not involving Parish or Town Councillors at an early enough stage, and they are pointing the phone companies towards locations that are totally unacceptable to local people. Watch this space for future developments.

Rodford Way Vodaphone mast - latest

Dodington Council has objected to the mast application - their very detailed comments are now visible on the South Glos website, along with objections from local residents.

This week Cllrs Mandy Sainsbury and Paul Hulbert met Vodafone's agents, who have promised to take another look at several sites they had previously discounted. They should be making contact again in the next few days - we'll keep you posted.

In the meantime the existing application still stands, and you only have until 2nd October - that's Thursday - to get your objections in.

To view or comment on the application, go to the South Glos Planning website. In Reference Number, enter PK08/2533/PN1 and click the Search button.

Scroll down and click on any document to read it. To comment, look for the link Comment on Application just under the row of green buttons - it's not at all obvious.


Alternatively you can email your comments to planningapplications@southglos.gov.uk, quoting Planning Application number PK08/2533/PN1.

Rodford Way Vodafone mast - get your views in now!

The full details of the Vodafone mast application are now visible from the South Glos planning application website. Search for Reference Number PK08/2533/PN1.

Normally the page would have a link saying "Comment on the Planning Application" - but it's missing.

So just email your comments to planningapplications@southglos.gov.uk, quoting Planning Application number PK08/2533/PN1.

Comments need to reach South Glos not later than 2nd November.


Councillors Paul Hulbert and Mandy Sainsbury making local people's views clear.

Yet another mast proposed for "Phone Mast Alley"

Blaisdon residents, including Cllr Mandy Sainsbury, are protesting about a proposed mobile phone mast in an area which will shortly be crowded with them.

This small area of Yate already has one O2 phone mast built (you can see it in the background on the right), plus approval for a "3" mast as well. Now Vodaphone wants to erect a third mast within only a few yards - you can see on the aerial photo just how close together they would be.


Click here to see detailed map from Google Maps.

What's more, there's yet another approved "3" site at the eastern end of the main road, just a couple of hundred yards away. And we know that T-Mobile may want to put a mast a similar distance west.

"Enough is enough"

Cllr Paul Hulbert, who also lives in Blaisdon, said "Whatever your opinion about mobile phone masts, this sort of clustering is clearly overdevelopment. We're exploring all possible ways of objecting to the Vodaphone mast".

We'll keep you posted here with extra details as we find them. The application is not on South Glos Council's website yet - we'll let you know when it appears, and advise you about how best to object.

Why bother opposing mobile phone masts?

Because occasionally, just occasionally, the mobile phone companies can be made to change their minds.

The Evening Post reports how O2 has decided not to go ahead with a mast overlooking a school playground in Winterbourne, after a meeting chaired by Steve Webb MP.

But O2 says that it didn't change its mind because of the protests - it's just that they "found a better site". (The phrase "Pull the other one" comes to mind...)

A mast too far - or One plus Two equals "3"

In a shock double decision mobile phone company “3” has been given permission for two mast sites in South Yate. Within days of a government inspector allowing 3’s appeal for a site on Scott Way next to Merlin Way, South Gloucestershire Council has given permission for their alternative site on Rodford Way, near Harescombe.

“Residents in Harescombe are disgusted at this latest South Glos decision,” said Dodington Parish Cllr Mandy Sainsbury. “They don’t see why their local Planning Authority has so spectacularly failed to support their objections. Even if 3 choose not to use the Harescombe site, if we’re not careful another company could grab the location”.

“One of the reasons given for the Harescombe site was that there is already another mast a few metres away next to Blaisdon”, said fellow councillor Paul Hulbert. “We’ve been promised that South Glos will review its procedures for dealing with these masts. Legally the mobile phone companies have massive powers, but even so South Glos needs to get its act together to try to protect the local area from this sort of overdevelopment”.

The mobile phone companies’ legal powers were granted by the 1980s Conservative government. Private Members Bills backed by Steve Webb MP to remove the powers have been repeatedly blocked by the current Labour Government.

If you want to back Steve Webb's campaign, please visit Steve's web page and sign the "Mast Madness" petition.

"Phone Mast Alley" plan hits front page

The Rodford Way / Harescombe mobile phone mast plan by "3" his the local front page this week when it was the lead story in the Gazette - read the story here.

The mobile phone company says that they don't intend to build both on this site and on the Scott Way one. However if planning permission is granted for this one, nothing will stop another company erecting a mast there even if "3" don't.

We await South Glos Council's decision with interest. Watch this space...

Rodford Way / Harescombe mast proposal - consultation has closed

Time's up for sending in comments about the proposed mobile phone mast at Rodford Way / Harescombe. You can see the comments here on the South Glos website. Scroll down and click on individual submissions to see the actual emails or letters.

Most people talked about the look of the mast, how close it is to the existing one, and their concerns about possible health implications. Dodington Parish Council and Yate Town Council have both objected strongly, trying to pick "3"'s application apart in terms of the planning legislation.

We now have to see what South Glos Planning Dept make of the comments, all of which were against the mast. Will they be brave enough to refuse the site, and risk another government enquiry?

Yet another phone mast for Rodford Way?

An artist's impression of the proposed mast at Harescombe,
viewed from the other side of Rodford Way

Mobile phone company “3” want to put up a phone mast on Rodford Way on the corner of Harescombe – i.e. just across Shire Way from the O2 mast that went up last summer.

South Glos have sent letters to the nearest houses, but the letters weren't very informative. This is a sketch map of the proposed site:

So why another mast site? Here is the background:

• “3” wanted to put a mast on Scott Way, in front of Merlin Way
• South Glos turned them down, so “3” appealed to the government inspector
• The appeal decision hasn’t been announced yet, but “3” want the Rodford Way site in case they lose the Scott Way appeal
• “3” want to put up a mast the same height as O2’s, but they say it will be slimmer

What do you think about this site? Please email us:
Mandy Sainsbury on mandy-sainsbury@blueyonder.co.uk
or Paul Hulbert on paul.hulbert@gmail.com

You can find out more about the application from the South Glos website by clicking here

If you want to comment on the “3” mast application, you can write to:
Planning Dept, Civic Centre, High Street, Kingswood, South Gloucestershire BS15 9TR
quoting Planning Reference PK07/1623/PN1.

Or you can comment to South Glos online by clicking here

Comments need to be in by 13 June – next Wednesday – so you haven’t got long!

Why can’t the mast just be turned down?

Phone masts don’t need normal planning permission, so it’s very difficult for South Glos to stop them. The mobile phone companies have a lot of legal powers to put masts up (granted by the 1980s Conservative government). Steve Webb MP and his colleagues have been trying to get the law changed, but each time they’ve been blocked by the current Labour government. You can support Steve’s campaign by signing the petition on his website at www.stevewebb.org.uk.

Scott Way mast - last chance to object

It's your last chance to object to the proposed mast - closing day is Monday. Click on the link in the right-hand column for the "official" ways of doing it - they're a bit long-winded - or send a quick email to TeamP11@pins.gsi.gov.uk

Cut and paste these details into your email -

Appeal Reference APP/P0119/A/07/2041713
Appeal by: Hutchison 3G UK Ltd
Appeal Site: Land off Scott Way, Yate, BRISTOL BS37 4EX

State your name and address
Say 'I am against the appeal proposals'
Then give your reasons for objecting

Yet another massive mast? Scott Way / Merlin Way this time!

A few months ago South Glos refused permission for a mobile phone mast on Scott Way, near Merlin Way. Yate Town Council objected, Dodington Parish Council objected – but mobile phone company Hutchinson 3G have decided to appeal against the decision.

Unless there is overwhelming evidence, they’ll probably get permission from the government’s inspector. Here’s what the mast could look like (artist’s impression) –

The mast would be 15 metres high – that’s three times the height of the trees, and nearly twice the height of the lamp posts. It’s called a “slimline monopole” but it will still be twice as thick as the lamps.

You can send your own comments to the Inspector – after all, more than 90 people signed a petition against this mast. If they all commented, the Inspector might decide against the mast.

What can I do about it?

First, you can write in or comment online (see below)
- THE CLOSING DATE IS 14 MAY.

Second, you can add your name to Steve Webb’s petition to get the law changed
- click here, look for "Mast Madness", and click on "Sign our petition"

How do I write in to comment?

Write to The Planning Inspectorate, Room 3/18b, Kite Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN

You should give your name and address and say that you are writing to comment on:

Appeal Ref: APP/P0119/A/07/2041713

Appeal by: Hutchison 3G UK Ltd

Appeal Site: Land off Scott Way, Yate, BRISTOL BS37 4EX

Say ‘I am against the appeal proposals’ (that's if you do want to object)

Then give your comments.

What could I say?

Here are some possible ideas – but don’t just copy them, write your own comments. That way they get taken more notice of.

The mast would be detrimental to the appearance of the surrounding area

Excessive height in a residential area

Colour should be chosen by people living near the site

No proven need, signal is fine

Cumulative effect of so many masts on the urban landscape – new mast just down the road in Rodford Way

Health concerns – beam of greatest intensity falls on part of Raysfield School, despite the distance this is undesirable under the precautionary principle mentioned by the Stewart Report

Hutchinson did NOT supply full details when lodging the appeal, only outline – their full case has not yet been made public, which is unfair to objectors

The map reference given for one of the alternatives considered is in North Yate, nowhere near the site

How can I comment online?

There are two ways to do this:

1. The official way

Go to http://www.pcs.planningportal.gov.uk/pcsportal/casesearch.asp

Type Scott Way in the street, and click Search for Cases

When the search results are returned, click on Case Reference APP/P0119/A/07/2041713

Scroll down, and under Documents click where it says

"Click here to view the documents for this case, and to access facilities to Comment"

Then click "Comment on this case"

And fill in the form – give your name and address, say ‘I am against the appeal proposals’ and then give your comments.

2. The quick way

Click here to send your comment direct to the Planning Inspectorate.

Then fill in the form – give your name and address, say ‘I am against the appeal proposals’ and then give your comments.

Useful links:

Helpful guidelines from the Planning Portal

Advice notes on electronic submissions

More advice from the Planning Inspectorate

Mast campaigner bids to join council

Phone mast campaigner Mandy Sainsbury has decided to stand for Dodington Parish Council.

“I have been working closely with the Parish Council about the giant phone mast on Rodford Way, Yate” said Mandy. “As a result of this involvement with the Council, coupled with my cares for the environment in which we live, I have decided to stand for election”.

“I care very much about the community in which I live, our environment and the local community. The Parish Council does a good job already and I want to help them. I've always enjoyed getting involved in issues that affect us all in our everyday lives - no matter how contentious those may be”.

Mandy has lived in Yate for 27 years. “I've never regretted choosing Yate as the place I wanted to live,” she said. “I've run my own business for the last 18 years in Chipping Sodbury, gaining invaluable experience and knowledge that I most certainly would not have otherwise”.

Mandy says that she decided to stand as a Liberal Democrat candidate because “I’m an admirer of Steve Webb – he represents our area really well. I’ve been very impressed by the work done by the local Focus Team members, and I want to contribute to making our community even better”.

Darth Vader gets a paint job

O2's contractors came this morning to repaint the mobile phone mast in Rodford Way. As you can see, it's now a light grey instead of the dark blue, almost black that it was before. The light grey was chosen by local people in a consultation by Dodington Parish Council. And the planting we did the other week is looking good too.