COUNCILLORS have given their backing to two mobile phone masts which will boost Bolton's 999 services. They are part of the Government's bid with BT to set up a Public Safety Radio Communications Project improving signal reception for the emergency services.
Planning and highways committee councillors have approved an application from BT Airwave for masts at Bolton TEC, Breightmet Fold Industrial Estate, off Bury Road and at Rothwell Mill, Rothwell Street, off Derby Street.
One councillor feared that the Rothwell Street mast could cause problems with medical equipment used by elderly residents at nearby Weavers' Court sheltered accommodation.
Derby ward councillor Gerry Riley said: "I am concerned we do not know what effect this could have on medical equipment."
But Mr Howard Barritt, Bolton's head of planning control, said that BT would have to ensure it did not affect other equipment in the area as part of the terms of a licence being issued.
And committee vice-chairman Cllr Bob Evans added:
"We are dealing here with something which will be of tremendous value to the community and we have to balance this against any potential hazards of mobile phone masts."
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