Sir.-With reference to the article and correspondence regarding telecommunications masts.

I can understand Hatch Warren residents not wishing to have these masts erected close to homes, but equally so many are becoming blots on our landscape.

The whole issue raises many unanswered questions and, I believe, requires much deeper investigation.

While I can appreciate that local councils rely upon Government guidelines on the health side of planning decisions, on aesthetic grounds it is difficult to understand why in Overton a Tetra mast installed in breach of planning regulations is served an enforcement notice for removal (now subject to an appeal) but a larger, far more obtrusive, telecommunications mast is granted planning permission.

I carry a mobile telephone for emergency use, but I have control over my usage of it. I do not have control over emissions from masts and base stations.

I understand that the UK levels of permitted microwave radiation are higher than many other European countries. Why?

While each individual mast may fall within the guidelines, I wonder if any studies have been carried out into the cumulative effect of these masts since they are often sited in groups. In Overton, we have several within the station approach area.

And what has happened to satellite technology, which was to be the answer to all communications problems? Can it be that masts are the less expensive option?

-Mrs J Middleton, Copse Road, Overton.