A CHURCH in Ilkley is considering a deal with a telecommunication company to place a mast on or in its tower.

The idea is likely to provoke a strong response from residents who fear dangerous emissions from masts or the visual impact the structure may have.

Vicar of St John's Church, Ben Rhydding, told the Gazette: "The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of St John's, Ben Rhydding, in line with many parish churches up and down the country, including others in the Ilkley area, is investigating the feasibility of installing a mobile phone mast on or in the church tower.

"However, no decision to install a mast has been made, and no such decision can be made without at least an application being publicly displayed for a given period.

"The congregation of St John's has been informed of the PCC's decision to proceed with the investigation and minutes of that, and subsequent meetings, were made available as usual in the church. Nothing has been done, therefore, which the PCC is not party to, and about which the wider congregation has not been informed."

If the PCC decides to go ahead with the idea, the plan is likely to run into opposition from Ilkley Parish Council's planning committee and local residents.

Planning committee Chairman Audrey Brand said that members always urged caution in the case of mobile phone masts because there was no proof to show whether their emissions were harmful or not.

She said the planning committee also had a history of opposing all telephone masts on the grounds of their visual intrusion.

Civic Society chairman, Helen Kidman, said that the body would wait to see any plan for a mast before deciding whether or not to oppose it on the grounds of its visual impact in a residential area.

But the Church of England has negotiated a deal with a mast

company, Quintel S4, which specialises in low visual impact masts, with a constantly monitored low emissions output.

The masts can be very unobtrusive if attached to steeples or flagpoles and can bring in an income of around £5,000-a-year plus a share of operating profits.

Mr Gregory said: "Some time ago the Archbishops' Council appointed a project company to work alongside churches throughout England in the matter of the installation of masts in towers and spires. I understand there are potentially 5,000 of them.

"The rationale behind the appointment of this company was not solely the financial benefits to parish churches, which are facing considerable maintenance costs of their buildings, but also for environmental

reasons.

"The company provides equipment capable of allowing up to five operators to transmit from the one location, thus considerably reducing the need for steel lattice towers in the area. Also, the fact that most churches are in, or near, the centre of population reduces the power levels required to ensure good reception.

"I hope this provides assurance to all your readers that it is not possible for any parish church to install a mast