Carla Lockhart said:

“We are all well aware of the benefits of improving our telecommunications capacity and capability locally. We are all so dependent on our mobile phones, on the availability of fast internet, and good stable signal.

Ongoing investment in the network is necessary, and it is welcome. However I am perturbed by the proposals to impose 5G masts on local communities. Currently we have two proposals – in Brownstown in Portadown, and Avenue Road in Lurgan. Both these areas have a significant number of houses nearby, and rightly these communities are concerned at the imposition of 20m high masts that will change the character of the areas in question. Furthermore, people do have genuine concern that having these huge masts on their doorstep could have health implications.

I am standing with these communities in opposing these plans. Alternative sites, further away from housing, must be considered. To help the campaign against these sites, I would encourage people to make their views known to the Council planning department, and I can help anyone wishing to do so. Please contact me at my office to be part of the campaign.”