A schoolboy has objected to a planned mobile phone mast, claiming it is against his human rights.

George Noble has written a letter objecting to Hutchison 3G UK's plans to use the Kingsway Hall, Dovercourt.

Protest - George Noble in front of the Kingway Hall In Dovercourt. Picture: STEVE BRADING

George, 12, of Kingsway, lives only 40 yards from the listed building.

In a letter to Tendring Council he said: "As I use my bedroom, not only to sleep in but to study and spend leisure time, I and any of my friends who visit will be constantly bombarded with these rays. I think this is against my human rights.

"The Convention of Human Rights of the Child (1989) states I have a right to protection and a right to live without fear of harm.

"Some of my friend's parents have already said that if the antenna is put in to Kingsway Hall my friends will not be allowed to sleep over or spend any length of time in my home. Do you think this is fair?"

He added he thought a listed building was supposed to be protected from change.

Residents have formed an action group to protest against the plan and also started collecting signatures on a petition.

Harwich Town Council has objected to the scheme but Tendring Council has the last word. Last year it rejected a similar application.

Mike Davies, a spokesman for Hutchison 3G, said the equipment met with all the required scientific standards. He added that the new generation of phones which the equipment supported were like broadband in your pocket and offered Harwich residents use of the most modern mobile phones.

He said the company, which is loosely linked to Hutchison Ports, did have other equipment in the port's area but it was not powerful enough to cover Dovercourt town centre.

Published Wednesday, February 5, 2003

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