CAMPAIGNERS wanting a change in mobile mast laws have welcomed a government order for more research into the technology - if findings are taken seriously.

The study will look into the possibility of phone companies sharing masts and the value of the telecoms regulator Ofcom's website, which gives information on current mast locations.

In January scientists from the National Radiological Protection Board advised the government children aged eight and under should not use handsets.

Sir William Stewart, who led the report, had already warned care should be taken with masts and phones until the health risks were know - the government issued circulars to ignore the report.

MPs, councillors and residents in Poole backed a campaign in February to allow local authorities to consider the health risks of masts when deciding planning applications.

Campaigner and Lib Dem Poole councillor, Tony Trent, said: "This research will only be any good if it is taken seriously and a precautionary approach is taken.

"There should be a policy of putting them in sensible places - not within 400 metres of a school."

Conservative MP for Poole Robert Syms said: "Care should be taken where the masts are put.

"We should use the preventative principle. In a couple of years, if we find there is health risks we don't want to find that it is too late."

Lib Dem councillor Annette Brooke said: "I would welcome more research. It's a difficult balance. Children are safer with a mobile phone but there's strong evidence they shouldn't be on them all day."

Government planning Minister Yvette Cooper said: "It's important to identify the future direction of mobile phone technology in order to inform policy development and to respond to public interest in this area.''

The call to change the law in Poole came after residents in our area lost fights to stop mobile masts going up next to schools and in residential areas.

These included an O2 mast next to St Joseph's School in Poole, a 21-metre mast Colehill First School in Cannon Hill Plantation, a mast in The Avenue in Branksome and one in Butts Pond.

Scientists have linked mobile phones to health problems such as ear and brain tumours.

First published: April 6