RESIDENTS of a North Ayrshire town have blasted any "tin-foil hat" wearing conspiracy theorists who may try to damage a planned 5G mast.

Plans to upgrade the 4G mast on the roof of Bridgegate House in Irvine were approved last year, but have since been revised and resubmitted to the North Ayrshire Council.

The comments come as Police Scotland investigate a fire at an Ayrshire 4G mast in April which caused over £50,000 worth of damage.

READ MORE: Why 5G may be a bit different from the average conspiracy theory

Commenting at the time, Chief Inspector Brian Anderson, the area commander for South Ayrshire, said: “There are no 5G phone masts in Ayrshire at this time and it is important to point out that the consequences for those who engage in such activity could be very unsafe for them and others in the community."

Now, as plans for the 5G mast in the centre of Irvine become clearer, there are worries the same dangerous vandalism may happen there.

One resident raised concerns of the side effects of the new technology, saying: "5G is harmful to your health, it uses microwave energy."

The conspiracy theory connecting 5G to coronavirus has been given credence in the media recently, by figures such as Eamonn Holmes. 

The presenter said: "What I don't accept is mainstream media immediately slapping that down as not true when they don't know it's not true.

READ MORE: ITV's Eamonn Holmes backs down on 5G coronavirus conspiracy claim

"It's very easy to say it is not true because it suits the state narrative."

The National: Eamonn Holmes later apologised for propagating the theoryEamonn Holmes later apologised for propagating the theory

However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has stated that the conspiracy theories are untrue, saying: "Viruses cannot travel on radio waves/mobile networks. 

"Covid-19 is spreading in many countries that do not have 5G mobile networks."

Fortunately for Irvine's 5G plans, most residents appear to have listened to the WHO before Eamonn Holmes. 

Commenting on the Ayrshire fire, another resident, Callum Stewart, said: "You would think that the tin foil hat wearers, who know more about these 5G masts than anyone else and cannot be proven wrong, would know how to spot the difference between a 4G and 5G mast."

Chris Pless added: "Microwaves will make a tin-foil hat catch fire, so I can see why they're so concerned! 

READ MORE: Cars could ‘talk’ to each other with 5G, Scottish research finds

"I genuinely think the whole thing started from a basic misunderstanding between millimeter waves and micro waves in the EMS [Electromagnetic Spectrum]."

The appetite for 5G seems strong though, with residents looking forward to the new service. 

David Hodge said if "I see anyone fiddling with my new 5G signal I'll be having words with them," while Rachel Stirling said: "Hurry up 5G! Got my 5G phone at the ready."

Ryan Boyd added: "I'd say theres a lot worse than 5G. If you ask me what's worse: when the mrs pecks your head for stuff. 

"I'd rather be sat next to the 5G mast, it would be easier."