Mobile Phone Network operators EE & Cornerstone have this week started ground works on two small areas of the Red Zone Car Park located on the corner of Civic Way and Poplar Bank (opposite the Library) in Huyton Village. These works are to enable the installation of two temporary phone mast towers.
The masts are required to address the reduction of local mobile phone coverage in and around the village centre.
Whilst one of the temporary masts to be installed has backstop planning permission, permission for the other temporary mast has not been agreed. However, the Network Operator EE is proceeding regardless utilising their Emergency Powers that telecoms operators have under the General Permitted Development Order.
The siting of these mast towers is a temporary measure and the Council has and continues to work with the operators to secure alternative permanent locations. It had been hoped to identify these locations and not require this temporary installation but that has not proved possible.
The Council is disappointed that the operators have decided to move forward with the installation of the temporary masts and that they have not found a permanent solution before now. As a priority, the Council is working with both operators to secure more suitable long-term locations for these masts to ensure secure network coverage for the benefit of local residents and businesses.