Keep tabs on phone masts

We know of 45 located within the inner ring road, and that figure would be higher if phone firm O2 had provided us with details of its transmission masts.

Looking on the positive side, it is clear the telecommunications companies have done their best to keep these masts discreet. They are so well hidden that few York residents would have had any idea that so many exist.

Nevertheless, our survey is bound to cause concern. Question marks remain over the long-term health implications of living or working near a mobile phone mast.

On several occasions residents have been worried enough to campaign against a mast being installed in their neighbourhood. But most masts go up quietly, almost unnoticed; and now we have dozens beaming out of York city centre.

It is important to stress that there is no unequivocal evidence to link exposure to mobile phone mast radiation with health problems. Sir William Stewart's inquiry in 2000 found that radiation from both handsets and masts could cause "subtle biological changes", and called for further study. So the Government launched a £7.4 million research programme in January.

Sir William recommended a precautionary approach and, until we get more definitive answers, that should be the watchword.

There are great benefits from mobile phone technology, which most of us have embraced. These masts are an essential part of the communications network and they have to go somewhere. But they should not be able to sprout up unchecked. Bizarrely, it is easier for councils to refuse planning permission for a mobile phone mast on grounds of aesthetics than over health concerns. The Government's own guidance says "that the planning system is not the place for determining health safeguards".

That reduces local people's ability to stop a mast being put up on their doorstep. This suggests the Government's enthusiasm for new technology has overridden Sir William's call for caution.

Updated: 11:27 Monday, October 28, 2002