TOP flight Eur-MPs could meet in Otley to investigate a worldwide eavesdropping system.

Campaigners fighting for the closure of the American base at Menwith Hill - believed to be the world's biggest listening station - are hoping that the MEPs will come to Otley as part of a trip to Britain.

They are also to write to President-Elect George W Bush to raise concerns about any possible expansion of the base.

The delegation, from the European Parliament, is due to be in the country early next year to look into Echelon - the global system which intercepts all sorts of electronic communications.

It is believed that the system, which uses a network of listening stations all over the world, is used to monitor commercial as well as military communications.

Otley councillor John Eveleigh, chairman of the Menwith Hill Forum, said the delegation of MEPs including Yorkshire MEP David Bowe, would be invited to Otley.

"There is a possibility that they might just hold some of their hearings in Otley. If they do, members of the public will be invited to come and have their say.

"It is a fairly high powered delegation being sent over to discuss Echelon and it is likely that they will want to gain access to Menwith Hill, although most of their hearings will take place in London.

"It will certainly put Otley on the map," said Coun Eveleigh.

He added that the forum would be writing to President-Elect George W Bush.

"There would have been concerns whoever won the presidency, but Bush seems to be very keen on the nuclear missile defence system that Menwith Hill supports.

"That potentially puts Otley and the surrounding area straight into the firing line for any terrorist or nuclear act," said Coun Eveleigh.

The forum had hoped to raise its concerns about the base with outgoing president Bill Clinton during his visit earlier this month to Northern Ireland.

But despite writing twice to The White House, the forum was unable to get the President to visit Otley.

"It was a bit of a long shot expecting him to come to Otley. It seemed he wanted to see out his last five weeks with something non-controversial," said Coun Eveleigh.