RESIDENTS close to a controversial telephone communications mast are being urged to protest - once again.

It was believed that the One 2 One mast in the grounds of Wharfedale Farmers Auction Mart, Otley, would have to come down - after it was revealed it was above the accepted 15 metre height.

But after being told by the city council's planning department that the mast was over the approved height, One to One is about to submit a fresh application - almost two years after it first went up.

In a letter to residents, a planner for the communications company, Kev Freeman, says that the mast measures just 0.3 metres higher than approved.

He says: "The building of the mast to a higher level was purely accidental, due to construction issues specific to the site, and not a deliberate act on the part of One 2 One."

He added that following a meeting at the mast site with Leeds City Council planners, a new application would be submitted shortly.

But resident of nearby Pearson's Buildings and town councillor, Nigel Francis, says he still wants to see the mast removed and has urged others to protest with him.

"We as members of the public have listened to supposedly safe expert and government advice on a number of subjects such as asbestos, thalidomide and petrol and diesel emissions and being told that these things are quite safe, yet years later we are told that unfortunately we have been misled by the so called experts.

"How are we to know that the long term effects of low rated microwave emissions shall not be detrimental to the health, not only of us adults, but also our children?"

Coun Francis added he was also opposed to the look of the mast.

"No attempt has been made to camouflage it and it is located at the base of Otley Chevin, which is an area of outstanding natural beauty. There are no other large structures in the area so it sticks out like a sore thumb."