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Proposed Installation of 
Mobile Phone Transmission Equipment 
in Ferryhill Parish Church Tower

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The Kirk Session and Congregational Board of Ferryhill Parish Church have decided to withdraw their approval for the installation of mobile phone transmission equipment by Hutcheson 3G in the church tower. This decision  was made reluctantly, not because we have grounds for concern over the safety of such installations, nor because of any aesthetic reason as there would be no visible change to the exterior of the church, both of which were seriously considered from the outset. The reason is the obvious anxiety of some members of the community of Ferryhill, particularly parents of young children who have been petitioning the Church.

Ferryhill Parish Church is constantly concerned for the well-being and goodwill of the Community and felt it could no longer continue on a path that caused anxiety to some parishioners.

Background

The original decision to agree in principal to a request from Hutcheson 3G for the installation of mobile phone transmission equipment in the tower of Ferryhill Church was taken by a joint meeting of the Kirk Session and Congregational Board in February 2002 after careful consideration of factors of heath and safety, aesthetic appearance and building security. Only after consideration of these important factors were any financial considerations raised.

Health and Safety

Information on health and safety, especially of children, presented by Hutcheson 3G was carefully considered and compared with other information from the National Radiological protection Board, the International commission on Non-ionising Radiation Protection, the Transportation and Environment Committee of the Scottish Parliament and Sir William Stewart's Committee Report.  We were satisfied that emissions from the equipment would be well within safety limits set down by the World Health Organisation and other international bodies.  Assurance was given by Hutcheson 3G that independent monitoring of the equipment would be carried out regularly after installation to ensure that it was functioning well within these guidelines.  Under no circumstances would we have given agreement to the proposal if we had believed it would in any way be detrimental to the health of anyone living or working in the area or attending activities in the church building itself.

Appearance of the Building

We were satisfied that the appearance of the Church building from  outside would remain unchanged. The equipment was to be housed in the tower behind new louvers of a different material but similar appearance, and in a disused chimney.

The Community

Because we were satisfied on health and safety grounds and in the appearance the building, both of which have community impact we did not consider it necessary to consult with the community at this stage, We did not believe we were agreeing to anything detrimental to the life of the community, Alterative installations, which will undoubtedly go ahead in Ferryhill, may be less attractive and closer to houses, schools or other buildings, We have been surprised by the emotive antagonism towards this installation, when similar masts have been approved in other churches and on school buildings and many other sites in and around Aberdeen.

Finance

Any income from Hutcheson 3G for the rental of the tower would have been held for us by the General Trustees of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh, to be used for building maintenance purposes.

In recent years the Congregational Board of Ferryhill church has expended over a quarter of a million pounds on the building, specifically to make it more community orientated.  Over 90% of this money came from the direct giving of members of the congregation or through efforts of the congregation in fundraising.  This was done with a clear commitment to the community and a vision of what the church could be for the community.  many community groups make use of the extensive facilities now on offer.  naturally we have to charge these groups for the use of the premises to cover heating, lighting, cleaning and maintenance, but the charges we make are reasonable and competitive in relation to similar facilities elsewhere.  Church up0keep requires ever increasing demands on donations and fundraising by the congregation.  Any extra income from outside sources would naturally be most welcome.

Conclusion

There is a degree of anxiety among some local residents that is difficult to assess.  Some have threatened to withdraw their children from activities in the church or even to move house.  it is not the church's intention to upset people or cause unnecessary anxiety.  We have at all times tried to maintain a balanced approach and have in every respect proceeded within our rights and according to all Church, local and national regulations.  Although we do not believe there are any scientific grounds on which to do so we have withdrawn our approval for this installation as a gesture of goodwill to the community of Ferryhill.

15 July 2002