I NOTED with interest the comments of both the Bury MBC planning officer and the GP (Letters, February 18) concerning the phone mast to be situated near Woodhey HS, Ramsbottom.

On the one hand, the GP says what we all really believe (regardless of how unproven the scientific data is); that the microwaves from phones cause health problems, particularly tumours.

However, the need for phone masts is demand-led and that demand derives from the users - many of whom are our children. If parents do not discourage the use of this "toy" among their children, then should we listen to their complaints about the necessary infrastructure to make the system operational? If we didn't buy the phones then, quite simply, there would be no need for the masts.

Regarding the point raised by Mr Daniel, the planning officer; as a taxpayer of this borough, yes, actually, I would like to see some of the money this council wastes on the likes of banners (saying how "good" they are) and other nonsense instead spent on an appeal which might be invited by making a stand on something like this.

They should have turned down the application in the interests of the health of the children of that school and could have if they had the backbone. Do we not have a Cyril Smith, or equivalent. who can speak out, regardless of the politique, for the benefit of local folk?

Bury would be commended nationally for putting on the gloves. It's all too easy to defer to Whitehall rhetoric, as has been the case here. What a poor defence - or rather, an easy abdication - for the planners. Maybe then we should look to maximise income and invite the biggest mast of all to be erected on top of the town hall, say in close proximity to the office of the chief planning officer?

The GP is absolutely right, but this government sold third generation mobile licences for a seriously overpriced £20billion and really "owes" this industry (and in any event would put profit and costs before health every time).

But we shouldn't hold our breath awaiting a wind of change. Like as not, in the absence of many legally-proven casualties seeking compensation, no government will rock this boat while award-chasing Bury MBC are hardly the sternest outfit to take anyone on.

Anyway, it may be the case that if, or when, Asian flu lands on our doorstep that could see us off long before a brain tumour does. And, oops, from what I read and hear the Government aren't planning to protect us from that one either.

TED HAYES,

Parkhills Road, Bury .