RESIDENTS united by opposition to a mobile phone mast close to their homes in Barnoldswick have formed themselves into a "Mast Action Group".

As reported in last week's Herald, people in the Park Hill area of Barnoldswick are concerned over possible links between ill health and exposure to high levels of mobile phone signals.

The telecommunications industry has disputed such links, but a Government report, published last month, concluded that more research on the issue was needed.

Barnoldswick man Andy Blackburn told a meeting of Pendle Council's West Craven Area Committee that, if the guidelines of the report were followed, the mast at Park Hill wouldn't be there because it was too close to residents' homes.

The issue was brought to the fore when Crown Castle UK Ltd - owners of the Park Hill mast - gave notice of their intention to add a further four dishes to it and an enlarged equipment cabin. That scheme was called in and refused by Pendle Council on the grounds of siting and appearance, although the company could appeal against refusal.

The residents are not convinced there is no health risk from living so close to the mast, however, and would rather see it removed than added to.

Now they have banded together to form MAG - the Mast Action Group - and are looking for public support. They hope to throw a local and national spotlight on the issue and want to hear from other people in a similar situation.

Chairman of the new group is Andy Blackburn and its secretary is Helen Hanson, whose young family lives almost in the shadow of the Park Hill mast. Members will collect names on a petition and seek support from parents of children at West Craven High School, which is also overlooked by the mast. Anyone wanting to support the group can telephone Helen Hanson on 01282 816642.

* PENDLE MP Gordon Prentice, whose own home in Barnoldswick is not too far from the Park Hill mast, is actively seeking assurances from the Government that mobile phone transmitter masts pose no threat whatsoever to human health.

In fact, the MP has been pressing the Department of Health for the past year for robust data which confirms their safety - or otherwise - and the Government is now to issue new guidance on the masts.

Mr Prentice said: "For over a year I have been assured by Ministers there was and is no danger whatsoever, but I am determined to get into the public domain all the relevant information."

The MP has also asked Environment Minister Beverley Hughes what powers are available to planning authorities to regulate siting, appearance and power of mobile phone transmitter masts.

Mr Prentice added: "There is very real public concern about these issues. I want to see the new guidance issued quickly."

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