Mobile devices Toolkit

News Burst: Orange facing court action over mobile masts

Graeme Wearden ZDNet.co.uk

Published: 01 Feb 2001 10:30 GMT

Mobile phone network operator Orange is being taken to court by Stockport Council in an attempt to make it remove two mobile masts from schools in Manchester.

This is thought to be the first court action of its type in the UK.

Orange's contracts at the two schools expired two months ago. According to the Daily Telegraph, both the council and the schools involved claim they have the support of both staff and parents. "The council has to act in the interests of its residents, particularly in relation to schools, where we have a legal duty of care," Mark Hunter, chairman of Stockport's education committee, said.

Orange insists the masts, which it claims are essential for maintaining service levels, meet all government guidelines. The company faced complaints last week when it was revealed it plans to erect mobile mast apparatus on the roof of a London hospital.

Full story to follow.

Have your say instantly, and see what others have said. Click on the TalkBack button and go to the ZDNet news forum.

Let the editors know what you think in the Mailroom. And read other letters.