Flask's 3-G mobile phone plans withdrawn - ‘Hampstead is splattered with phone masts,’ says Councillor Chris Knight

Published: 24 February 2011
by DAN CARRIER

PLANS to erect a raft of mobile phone masts on the roof of a Hampstead pub have been withdrawn – after neighbours told the landlord they were worried about possible health issues.

The owners of The Flask, on the corner of Flask Walk, had put forward plans to place new 3-G mobile phone masts on the roof of the pub, an area notorious for poor phone reception.

But after neighbours brought the issue up with the pub, the owners, Young’s, have decided to put any application on hold.

Michael Lee, of Flask Walk, said: “They had proposed to place several masts on top of the roof, and neighbours got rather agitated about it. A shop next door to the pub called Mystical Fairies started a petition and when the owners got wind of how unpopular this was, they decided to put the idea on hold.”

He added this was not the first time to pub had listened to concerns. He said: “Young’s responded to us when we asked them to change their pub sign a while back. The present landlord has been a reasonable and good neighbour and is always ready to listen to any concerns.”

Cllr Chris Knight said:­ “Hampstead is splattered with phone masts. The area is densely populated and surrounded by a plethora of schools. European directives may say it’s safe, but if that’s the case then why were Camden Council so opposed to a phone mast on their own building? I can completely understand why people don’t want their children exposed to whatever these things emit. 

“But, Young’s have reacted very well. Their directors have been very co-operative.”

A spokesperson for Young’s confirmed they had told O2 and Vodafone to withdraw the application. They said: “Young’s pubs are run with the local community in mind. Therefore, in response to the concerns voiced by customers of The Flask and local residents we have instructed the agent of Vodafone/02 to withdraw the current application.”