IN response to the article, "There's no stopping the masts" (Bolton Evening News, Saturday, January 22), I am surprised that the Leader of the Council, Mrs Ronson, has given up without a fight.

We, as elected members, are here to represent the views of the people and if there are concerns and fears for health then elected members should be taking the lead.

We should lobby our Members of Parliament to change the law; a private members bill may be an option.

The planning laws say fiction and fear cannot be used as an objection. There are other things that elected members can do; for example, object to the application if it is not in keeping with area for example, Councillors could also add to the reason for objection that they are concerned about the potential health risk to the community.

The Government commissioned a study, The Stewart Report (2000), and it clearly states there is an unknown potential for health risks and recommends a precautionary approach (endorsed by the British Medical Authority 2001)

Both the BMA and the Stewart Report confirm that children absorb considerably more radiation into the head. If this fact is added to the consequences of longer lifetime exposure, then the BMA state that children are more vulnerable to the effects of radiation.

The potential for non-thermal or biological effects has not yet been fully evaluated, hence the precautionary approach has been recommended.The results of ongoing research in the UK and internationally will not be known for some time.

I have objected to the application to install a mast outside of a doctors surgery at Highfield Road, Farnworth.

According to scientific information, the highest intensity of radiation will be at ground level between approximately 160m and 260m from the mast. It is noted that four schools, a doctors surgery, a youth club, one community centre and a church are located close by. Most young people will have to walk in the danger zone with significant numbers of the most biologically vulnerable in the under 12 age group.

Sir William Stewart (the author of the Stewart Report) has been quoted in the media as saying masts should not be near to schools and that he would not allow his grandchildren to use a mobile phone for health reasons.

I think it is my duty to represent and raise concerns about health on behalf of my constituents.

I insist that this mast and others planned within populated areas in Bolton are not considered again in the future; and that alternative sites in open space are chosen. If there are any appeals against the councils decisions, we should demand that our Members of Parliament and councillors object and ask for a public enquiry, possibly a judicial review; because we do have a Government report indicating that there is a potential risk.

Councillor Carl Dennis

Harper Green Ward

Eskdale Grove

Farnworth