THE leader of Bournemouth council has insisted that they will continue to work to be one of the first places in the world to have a 5G network in place, despite concerns about its health impact.

Earlier this month, a judge at Newcastle County Court refused an application by Gateshead council for a gagging order against a campaigner who claimed that the technology causes cancer, ruling that the public “had a right to know” of the concerns.

Despite this, the leader of Bournemouth council, Cllr John Beesley, said that supporting new technology was “fundamental” to the boosting long-term growth.

In November 2016, the government announced that Ordnance Survey, in partnership with the council, had been chosen to carry out mapping work, putting the town “at the forefront” of a future roll-out of 5G in the UK.

The fifth generation of mobile communication networks, 5G is expected to begin being introduced in the UK in 2019 or 2020 and will increase download speeds.

Despite Gateshead council assurances to the contrary, campaigners have claimed that 5G technology had been embedded in its street lights and that they increased the risk of developing cancer.

However, a gagging order bid was rejected with a judge determining that the public had a right to hear the concerns.

Bournemouth council leader, Cllr John Beesley, said that any future roll-out would be carried out with support from experts to ensure that it is done safely.

“Supporting new technologies such as 5G is fundamental in continuing to build Bournemouth’s digital infrastructure, leading to long-term economic growth and creating the best possible place for people to live, work and visit,” he said.

“The council continues to work closely with bodies such as Ofcom as well as government experts in wireless technology to further our 5G ambitions and to ensure the safe installation and performance of 5G equipment.

“Bournemouth’s recent work with the Ordnance Survey to provide a test bed environment for 5G mapping tool technology has positioned the town at the forefront of this digital innovation.”

He added that it provided an “opportunity to unlock” economic benefits, including boosting manufacturing and medical technology.