Prescott in town (From Barry And District News)

Prescott in town

THE Government sent one its biggest hitters to Barry on Tuesday, as part of the election campaign.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott arrived in the town centre aboard the 'Prescott Express'.

He grabbed the attention of shoppers by making a speech - and dismissed one heckler who questioned New Labour's socialist values, telling him to'go and buy a bag of pears and sit in the corner'.

Mr Prescott spoke exclusively to the Barry and District News, and we asked him about one issue that continues to be a major concern for many residents - the siting of mobile phone masts near schools.

And his response is bad news for those councillors hoping for more government guidelines on the issue. He said local authorities must take responsibility for such planning issues.

He said the government would continue research into long-term health issues, but finding a balance between residents' concerns and a desire for new technology was the responsibility of local authorities.

He suggested planners be'more effective' in setting a common approach and policy within their own areas.