THE findings of a Radcliffe-based environmental group have sparked national alarm over mobile phone transmitters.

Mast Sanity, whose chairman Chris Maile lives in Outwood Road, has gone public with the results of the group's five-month long investigation.

"We're talking about major loopholes that are being exploited by mobile firms to secretly install the devices inside petrol station forecourt price towers and streetlamps," said Mr Maile.

The fear is that radiation from the transmitters could have an adverse effect on public health.

Shell has admitted installing 200 transmitters nationwide, and Texaco 20. Neither would say how much money it received and Shell refused to disclose the locations of the antennae for reasons of commercial confidentiality.

Mr Maile said: "These companies are just doing it for financial gain without considering the possible effects on their local community.

He added: "They are finding it increasingly difficult to have applications accepted because of such concerns. That's why they have begun to take advantage of the loopholes by placing the devices in garage towers. If people don't realise they are there, there won't be a backlash," said Mr Maile.

And as long as antennae are not higher than four metres above a building they do not even need planning permission.

"For around £10,000 the mobile companies also make deals with churches, which have their own planning system, and place the devices in steeples."

The national media has seized on Mast Sanity's revelations and Mr Maile welcomes the publicity.

"It has helped open up the debate and has encouraged us to lobby parliament," he said.

"These companies have an obligation to consult with the community, but they totally ignore this."