All Saints Church is situated next to Hillbrook Primary School, Hillbrook Children's Centre, Hillbrook Resource Base and Hillbrook Early Years Nursery. Derinton Nursery is near by and there is a playgroup in the church. Hundreds of children will be exposed to an electromagnetic field from a base station on the church tower.  We believe that there are potential health concerns and have started this petition to demonstrate local opinion and to make parents aware of the proposals.  Hillbrook School has chosen not to inform parents of this proposal and the church has undertaken limited consultation so most people in the local area do not even know. 

Councils have been advised to ignore health concerns. However, schools have a duty of care to ensure the health and safety of their staff and students.The following bodies (plus others too numerous to site) have identified areas of concern:

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) (2011) classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) as Group 2B – possibly carcinogenic to humans.

The World Health Organisation (2014) has identified a gap in knowledge about radiofrequency fields and has called for more research into long-term health effects. 

The Council of Europe (2011) has called for member states to adopt a “precautionary approach” and take measures to reduce exposure to EMF, particularly for children. The Council warned that "inaction could lead to extremely high human and economic costs". As early as 2000, The Stewart Report recommended a precautionary approach.

The UK Trades Union Congress has stated that "Caution should be used to prevent exposure to substances in IARC Group 2B" possible human carcinogens. They state that education employers have duties to ensure as far as is reasonably practicable: the health, safety and welfare of pupils in-school and on off-site visits; the health, safety and welfare of teachers and other education staff.

Safe Schools Information Technology Alliance lodged a complaint with the Health Protection Agency/Public Health England about their failure to provide precautionary advice regarding EMF.

Until it has been proven there is no danger, children should not be exposed to the potential dangers of masts. We do not want to wait for irrefutable evidence that mast radiation is harmful and therefore want to petition the council to reject this planning proposal.

We believe that if we can demonstrate enough public objection then the council may listen as Richmond council have recently where a similar request was rejected as it was next to a school.