PEOPLE power has rejected the prospect of new 4G masts being put up around North Swindon after UKB withdrew all four applications for the area.

Residents united in opposition to the plans for a £2m 4G rollout, which would have involved masts being constructed close to local schools, homes and play parks.

Simultaneously, talks are in advanced stages for fibre optic across the area, which residents and councillors have been campaigning for for years.

Pete Taylor, 35, of Torun Way, said he was pleased the council has listened to public pressure.

“I was very relieved we did not have to go all the way to planning to fight our corner, and it is nice to think that they have listened to us,” he said.

“Most people are happy with the outcome, and I do have sympathy for those in rural areas, but I gather the plan is now to site the masts further away from houses.

“When we first saw the plans for the masts the first reaction was it would be an eyesore, and my worry was that some health studies into the impact of these masts have been upsetting.

“That made me nervous about it being in close proximity to my child’s bedroom.

“The jury is out on the health risks, but these masts were not going to serve Priory Vale, so it was an unrealistic sacrifice to make.”

The Cabinet member for housing and public safety, Coun Emma Faramarzi, (Con, Priory Vale), said: “The masts were all in close proximity, and were planned close to schools, houses or play parks.

“We were very concerned about that, which is why I did not vote for it in cabinet, because I knew the residents were not necessarily going to sign up for it.

“They have been campaigning for fibre here, because we are one of the areas which does not have fibre optic. All of the applications for North Swindon have now been withdrawn, which is a step in the right direction.

“I am supportive of the service from the perspective of rural areas, because they do not have an alternative. The campaign for fibre optic has been running for two years now with various petitions, and we will continue to work towards that.”

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson said ongoing meetings with fibre optic providers as an alternative to 4G are looking positive.

“I am delighted that by working with local councillors and local residents that Swindon Borough Council have responded to the inappropriate proposed location for the 4G masts,” he said.

“Separate to this, local councillors and I have long been pushing for fibre. Myself, David Renard, Toby Elliott and Mary Martin had an extremely productive meeting with Virgin Media and we hope they will confirm very exciting plans in the next couple of weeks.”

A council spokesman said: “Further consideration will now be given to the siting of masts, which will provide superfast broadband to properties in north Swindon that have no access. The council remains committed to increasing access.”