Residents sign petition opposing antenna

Residents of Lansell Drive are continuing to fight a proposed communications antenna in their street.

A workshop with Vodafone, the Botany Community Board and residents of the Dannemora street is due to be held on February 23.

Resident Janice Loubser says Manukau City Council chief executive Leigh Auton told residents the council needs to work in the interests of both parties.

She says Mr Auton told them a council employee was involved in choosing the site with Vodafone to ensure its suitability.

But residents are against antennas in any residential areas because of health concerns and the effect on property values.

Mrs Loubser says the company and council’s interests are being taken care of but those of the ratepayer are "bottom of the rung".

A council spokesperson says the antenna is a permitted activity that doesn’t need consent.

A petition is being presented to the council and Vodafone opposing the tower and any others being considered for residential areas. Mrs Loubser says it will also be presented to the government because residents want a law change to stop it being a permitted activity.

She says so far there has been no indication that residents will be able to influence the decision and communication with Vodafone "has not been reassuring".

"Council is hiding behind legislation and putting it in the too-hard basket. I believe there is more the council can do."

To contact the Lansell Drive residents, email stopthetower2008@hotmail.com.

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