Proposed new 5G mast gives some concerned West Kirby residents the heebie-jeebies

People in West Kirby are concerned that plans for a "scary" 5G pole could ruin an area near the town's seafront.

The 16-metre 5G post would be put in next to Sandy Lane if plans are approved.

The plans are being opposed by neighbours as well as local councillors Jenny Johnson and Simon Mountney who have begun a petition they said has already gained over 100 signatures.

Those against the plans say it will ruin the area, overlook the houses nearby, encroach on a pathway, and is in completely the wrong location.

Phone company Three, who are behind the application, said 5G is vital for people in West Kirby and needs to be near where people live. They said the site was critical to ensure there was wide coverage in the area.

Jane Austin lives next door to the proposed mast site but said the issues are much wider. She said: "The sheer size of these boxes are going to make a massive difference to narrowing a pathway. I think it's going to affect the sight lines coming out of South Parade and Riverside because of the size.

"It's going to impact us massively. It's double the size of our house so we're completely overlooked by it. It's a highly residential area and it's just not the place whether you're pro or against 5G. The fact it says on the proposed plans it won't spoil the general outlook of the area is a complete lie."

Two posters have been put up next to where the mast is with a mock-up of what it could look like. Jane said: "Until you can see it, you can't imagine it and once you see it you realise how scary it is."

Elizabeth WitchelI said: "It's not just about me and not wanting something in front of my house. It's right next to the Marine Lake and the estuary. People from all over Merseyside come here for the seafront. Anything that injures that will take something away that is extremely valuable to many people."

Angela Agbamu said: "This is an area of outstanding natural beauty and this is really going to spoil the area for ourselves but all the people that come here. It is a residential area and there are plenty of areas around West Kirby which are not residential.

"Once they put one in, they will end up all around West Kirby. Once it is here it's the beginning not the end."

Others feel the location is wrong because of how close it was to the Dee estuary. Rob Austin said: "What is the point of putting it here because it's going to go right out to sea?"

Rob Austin (centre) criticised the location of the mast

Cllr Simon Mountney said they had proposed other locations for the mast they think are better including on a nearby substation.

Concerns were also raised about possible long term health impacts of 5G as well as nearby wildlife in the Dee.

5G is subject to tougher radiation limits and a report by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) found that there was no evidence of harm in 2020.

However it remains a major concern for people living nearby who said there is not enough evidence on the potential long term impact of exposure.

Resident and histopathologist David Agbamu said: "The intensity so close to our homes would mean we're exposed all the time when we are at home and the absence of evidence of harm if it is harmless, that is one of my major concerns."

Cllr Jenny Johnson said: "We are definitely against it. We are getting a petition together and it just feels like it's Groundhog Day with the new masts. It would be spoiling our views and the general view of people is that 4G works for them and they don't need 5G."

Cllr Johnson said "people are mad beyond belief" about the proposal after a previous proposal was rejected nearby, adding: "People have great concerns about the look of it and spoiling the area. It is really quite a stunning area and it would be completely overbearing on the street."

A Three UK spokesperson said: "5G rollout is vital for residents and businesses of West Kirby. We want to offer the community a reliable network experience and this site will be critical to making that happen.

"Masts need to be situated where people will be using the service and, in many cases, in precise locations to ensure the widest breadth of coverage. We carry out extensive searches and evaluate a wide range of options before submitting any planning applications."

A link to the application can be found on Wirral Council's website. A public consultation will end on March 3.