This is Staffordshire

12:00 - 24 June 2005

A Town's mayor is calling on residents to bombard MPs with their concerns over mobile phone masts. Stephen Ellis, who is also shadow portfolio holder for planning on Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, said shocking figures released by companies revealed up to 130,000 extra mobile phone masts could be needed across the UK.

He said that represented an average of 209 extra masts for every parliamentary constituency.

Mr Ellis said the figures had been triggered as mobile phone technology expands.

He said: "Many people are understandably concerned about the alleged health risks associated with mobile phone masts.

"Current planning laws allow masts less than 15m tall to be installed without needing any planning permission. This means masts could be put up in residential areas or near schools without people being made aware or allowed to comment.

"The government is currently reviewing planning regulations for masts. I believe all masts should be subject to planning permission like all other development proposals."