RIBBLE Valley MP Nigel Evans is backing a bill to ensure full planning permission is needed to install telecommunication masts.

"At present only presumed planning permission is needed, whereby almost no local consultation takes place at all," explained Mr Evans.

"With this new bill, the local community will be consulted more fully and more widely.

This in turn will give people more time to oppose any proposed site and thus a greater chance that their objections would be upheld.

"We need to put a stop to the installation of masts where they blight our areas of outstanding natural beauty. This new bill will help do this. No longer will local communities be denied the chance to vigorously and effectively oppose the siting of masts."

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