THERE is no doubt that the march of the mobile phone cannot be halted. Whether we actually own one, whether we are for or against, there is no doubt they are here to stay - and in ever increasing numbers.

But with the phones comes the need to build telecommunications masts. Hardly a week goes past with yet another planning application from one of the communications giants eager to put up a mast and improve reception for their hundreds of thousands of customers.

But where should they go? and more importantly - are they actually safe? In post-BSE Britain, we could be forgiven for accepting with a pinch of salt the protestations of our government.

Supposedly these masts are safe. The various microwave dishes and 'associated cabins' present no danger whatsoever to anyone unlucky enough to live nearby.

However, certain experts are already sending out warning signals - and at least one international company has told its employees to use earpieces - instead of putting the phone next to their ears.

So should we be worried? The government says there is no evidence to suggest such masts send out harmful rays - but has there been any real research done?

And in the meantime, masts are going up at a fantastic rate and now, with increasing demand, are being pushed through by planning authorities under a new 42 day consultation period.

What's more, these masts are now covered by permitted development rights which means planning authorities have no real power to stop them from being built.

Meanwhile, just about everyone within easy reach of a proposed mast site has reservations. It's clear no matter how many times the government claims they are safe, people do not believe it.

One of these 15 metre high masts is about to go up near to Wharfedale Farmers Auction Mart in Leeds Road, Otley. The people living nearby are furious and one person is ready to pull it down if and when it goes up.

Clearly, these people remain to be convinced and they are not about to told otherwise. The only way their fears will be overcome will be for proper investigations to take place - and until then, the march of the phone masts should be be treated far more cautiously.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.