THE Ministry of Defence has refused to fund a "vital" long-term health study at RAF Fylingdales to establish whether there is a link between radar emissions and cancer.

Setting up the study was one of the assurances the North York Moors National Parks Authority asked the MoD to provide before it would approve plans to upgrade radar operations at the early warning station.

Although the upgrade does not need planning permission, the authority asked the MoD to give a raft of guarantees that its new role in the United States' missile defence programme - dubbed Son Of Star Wars - would not lead to further developments at the base.

In a response, Nick Witney, director general of international security policy at the Ministry of Defence, wrote: "While the MoD is happy to work with the (primary care) trust, and others to establish the feasibility and the potential scientific worth of a long-term study, any further work in this area, and its funding, is essentially a matter for the Department of Health and local health authorities."

A study carried out by Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale Primary Care Trust in June found there was no link between the radar and cancer registrations in the area. But local residents and protest groups have called for a long-term investigation to be carried out.

Andy Wilson, the national park authority's chief executive, wrote in a report that comments from Mr Witney "fall far short of the long term assurance that is being sought regarding future development at the base."

Ryedale MP John Greenway said: "I think it's very disappointing. I would certainly want to get an agreement from the MoD when they upgrade the radar that they will support further studies."

Fylingdales Action Group campaigner Jackie Fearnley said: "I'm not surprised that the MoD have said this. It makes me more suspicious. If the base is safe why won't they fund a study to show it is? Surely, from a public relations point of view it'd be a good idea."

Wing Commander Chris Knapman, of RAF Fylingdales, said: "We continue to monitor the radar emissions at all times.

"We therefore don't believe because of the results of the statistical study that there is a practical need for any further studies."

Access moves

STEPS towards improvements for those living near RAF Fylingdales have been taken by the Ministry of Defence at the request of the North York Moors National Parks Authority.

Work on reducing light pollution from the base by 75 per cent is in progress and should be complete early in the new year, weather permitting.

The authority requested that the Lyke Wake Walk should be declared a public bridleway where it crosses MoD land. The base had no objections and has given the authority the green light to begin the necessary legal action.

The authority also asked for the distance from the high security fence at which public access was acceptable to be established, and the area beyond this made open to the public, in time for the implementation of the Countryside Rights of Way act.

The MoD said it would consider the issue of public access but needed to carry out consultations.

Updated: 10:51 Monday, December 29, 2003