THERE is no generally accepted medical evidence that living near, or regularly being close to, a mobile phone mast causes health problems.

But in the same way that people do not like pylons being sited near their homes there is a lot of unease about possible ill effects especially following recent publicity about possible risks to children from mobile phones.

Add to that the fact that mobile phone masts are not a pretty sight when constructed in open fields or interrupting the skyline and it is not surprising that giant companies like Vodaphone have found problems getting new masts passed by planning authorities.

So they have looked instead towards putting them where they cannot be seen like inside the towers of churches.

However because of the health worries local residents must be fully consulted when there are plans for new masts.

If they are not included in the consultation process they are bound to worry like the people in the Church Street area of Longridge.

Lack of information will breed fear and apprehension and only give people the feeling that such masts are being sneaked into their neighbourhood.