MOBILE telephone operator Orange has bowed to public pressure and has agreed to a meeting with Farnham residents who are opposed to the siting of mobile masts in the town. Local residents have fought a bitter battle against Orange over their proposals to site masts near Bourne Infant School and on land near homes in Waverley Lane and in Manor Gardens. Only last week the Manor Gardens Manor Action Group blasted Orange for its lack of public consultation over the proposed locations for its masts and for its refusal to respond positively to an invitation to liaise with local residents. Yet the mobile technology giant seem to have bowed to public pressure after accepting another invitation to meet residents. Ray Cuckow, co-ordinator for the Manor Gardens Mast Action Group, said: "I am pleased that Orange has accepted our invitation. I have agreed with Orange that we will work together to try to find a solution. There is clear evidence that the majority of residents want any mast to be on high ground away from homes, children's bedrooms and schools. We are optimistic, but there is still a long way to go. "At this stage Orange has not yet withdrawn its proposals for masts at Manor Gardens and The Bourne School. Orange must of course demonstrate a business need to the planners, but if it can do so, there seems to be a way forward," he added. The Manor Gardens Mast Action Group has also been liaising with planning officers from Waverley Borough Council. The council is making initial plans to hold a consultative forum about the masts in October and the Manor Gardens group is optimistic that this is good news for local residents. "We have had constructive discussions with Waverley and will be participating in the development control consultative forum that is planned for October," said Mr Cuckow. "We understand that this forum will define a mast siting strategy for South Farnham. We are pleased Waverley is working with the community to find an acceptable solution. "We are also delighted to have the ongoing active support of our councillors and of Jeremy Hunt, our MP," he added.
