Council takes on board 5G concerns

Herefordshire Council leaders say they are working to look at alternatives to the possible rollout of 5G technology in the county.

Councillor Bob Matthews asked last week’s full council what was being done to address concerns over potential health and safety risks of the next generation of mobile internet connection which offers much faster data download and upload speeds.

“Recently I chaired a public meeting at Marden regarding the possibility of the general use of 5G technology within the county,” coun Matthews said.

“The council leader, commissioning, procurement and assets cabinet member attended and a number of elected members.

“Evidence-based issues were raised about the impact of 5G usage on public health, because many leading scientists have expressed safety doubts.

“The cabinet member undertook to look into the matters raised, and report back; this was later confirmed by the leader.

“As of today, no response has been received, so can the Cabinet Member inform us of the outcome of her investigations, confirming the view of this administration with regard to the use of 5G within the county particularly in light of the ambition in the corporate plan to ‘strengthen communities to ensure that everyone lives well and safely together’.”

Commissioning procurement and assets cabinet member Gemma Davies confirmed the council was looking at alternatives.

“Thank you for question on this matter and your continued efforts to ensure that this remains a priority for the administration.

“I apologise for the delay in providing back a report regarding this matter.

“As you are aware there is a wealth of evidence and information, including working with colleagues across the country, that we have to go through before coming to a point where a report is ready.

“In the meantime I am working with other members of the administration to look at other technological solutions that do not require 5G.