Masts to be excluded from Parks

A decision was finally reached tonight to exclude telecomms masts from parks in Epsom & Ewell. This followed the motion proposed in September 2005 by Cllr Colin Taylor and seconded by Cllr Jonathan Lees, calling for masts not to be allowed in the Borough's parks and open spaces.

Following earlier discussions in the council's Telecomms Masts sub-committee and its Strategy & Resources committee, the proposal had been refined to apply to a specific list of "excluded areas" within parks and recreation grounds with children's playgrounds or adjacent to schools, shown on a special map.

Some councillors were concerned that these "excluded areas" were too extensive, which might lead to masts in even less appropriate places. Others wanted to include all green open spaces. After discussion the scheme was agreed, subject to annual review. Colin Taylor welcomed the modified proposal, which includes all parks with children's play areas as intended by his original motion.