Lampeter Town Council has agreed to ‘draw a line in the sand’ and refuse to endorse the rollout of 5G technology pending more scientific research on any potential harmful effects.

A motion brought before members by Cllr Gary Thorogood – stating they had “a moral responsibility to protect public health and the local environment” - was passed almost unanimously. However, some expressed scepticism over claims by opponents of the technology, that it could have an adverse impact on children, pregnant women and the environmentally-sensitive.

Last week’s meeting drew around two dozen members of the public to the town’s Victoria Hall.

Along with councillors, they watched a short video interview with former Microsoft Canada president Frank Clegg, who said that 5G had not been tested and no research was available on its impact on human health.

“We’re looking at a Wild West-scenario where guidelines are lacking and the industry is self-regulated,” he added.

“There’s a limit to what we can do, but a lot of people are concerned and we have a responsibility to draw a line in the sand,” Cllr Thorogood told colleagues.

“We can send a letter to Ceredigion council for a start, suggesting that there should be a thorough review of all scientific research into the impact of 5G.”

Members agreed to ‘adopt the precautionary principle’, and ask Ceredigion council, AMs and the MP to look into the health and safety implications on behalf of the residents of Lampeter and Ceredigion, while at the same time exploring alternatives to 5G technology.

See this week’s south papers for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition tomorrow