FARMERS in East Lancashire are being told to slash the prices they charge mobile phone companies for masts on their properties.
Andrew Rothwell, group secretary of the National Farmers’ Union’s East Lancashire branch, said a farmer in Rossendale had been told by an operator that the rent from a mast would no longer rise with inflation.
He has also been warned that other operators may share the site but for no extra rent. Mr Rothwell, who represents hundreds of East Lancashire farmers, said at least 10 other farms in the region had masts on site – and they could all be squeezed by mobile operators.
Mr Rothwell said: “Mobile phone masts offer very important income to farmers, particularly in difficult times like these.
“But the contracts they have must be fair and offer something to the farmers too.”
A Vodafone spokeswoman said the mobile giant was looking to find ‘greater efficiencies’ by negotiating with landowners. Other networks are believed to be doing the same.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here