Rolling out 5G technology across Somerset will have “no consequence for public health”, according to a county council expert.

Town councils in Frome and Glastonbury have voted to oppose the roll-out of 5G in their area, claiming that it could be harmful to people’s health and the natural environment.

Local resident Louise Thomas has asked Somerset County Council to look into the issue in light of what she described as “growing worldwide opposition” to the technology.

But the council’s cabinet member for public health has downplayed the risks and said 5G will be subject to the same rigorous standards as existing technology, including 4G and WiFi.

Ms Thomas, who is involved with the campaign group Stop 5G Taunton asked the local authority to take action at a full council meeting held on Wednesday morning (July 17).

She said scientists and doctors had already appealed to the EU, UN and World Health Organisation (WHO) about the risks of 5G, with peer-reviewed research “indicating biological harm to humans and the environment”.

She said: “Give the fact that both Glastonbury and Frome Town Councils have put a moratorium on the roll-out of 5G subject to reviewing the research, does Somerset County Council consider that it may be also appropriate to look into the 5G frequency emissions and the impact it could have on Somerset’s residents?“

She received a response from councillor Christine Lawrence, cabinet member for public health and well-being and the chair of the Somerset health and well-being board.

Ms Lawrence said: “Mobile networks have been in operation since the 1980s. All wireless technologies have to be rolled out under strict guidelines. These are reviewed on an ongoing basis.

“There are strict rules on exposure of waves, non-ionising radiation and electromagnetic fields. All 5G is being rolled out within these guidelines.

“It is possible that there will be a small overall increase in overall exposure to radio waves, but this is expected to remain low in relation to public guidelines, and therefore there should be no consequence for public health.”

Glastonbury Town Council has created a new 5G advisory committee to investigate the risks of 5G and report back in the autumn. To make a contribution to the committee’s work, email townclerk@glastonbury.gov.uk.