Phone fears spark new research

Further research is being commissioned into the future of mobile phone technology and phone masts.

The move follows growing public concern over the risks of using mobile phones and fears from people living near installations. The latest Government backed research follows on from a report in January carried out by scientists at the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB).

They expressed concern and said they believed that youngsters in particualr were at greatest risk from the potentially damaging health effects of mobile masts. Professor Sir William Stewart, who led the research, went so far as to advise people that children aged eight and under should not use handsets at all.

This report looked at existing evidence on the safety of mobile phone technology - and found far more work was needed. It went on to say more research need to be done into any possible effects mobile phone masts - the base stations that relay signals - have on health.

The report from the NRPB, which was merged with the Health Protection Agency on 1 April, called for the planning process for masts to be subject to independent review.

The latest study will examine whether the number of cell phone "relay stations" can be reduced by making mobile phone companies share them. Although the study has not begun, ministers are already reviewing the planning procedure for the masts.

"It is important to identify the future development and to respond to public interest in this area," said Planning Minister Yvette Cooper.