CONTINUED objections to telecommunications masts being set up in Burnley would leave the town out of touch with the modern world, councillors were told.

Conservative Peter Doyle said there had been opposition to communications masts going up near homes and the same would apply on applications to site them in the countryside.

"If we continue to take this attitude, Burnley will become a little island in a sea of modern communications," he told the development control committee.

He spoke as councillors again voiced concerns over possible radiation hazards from the masts when they received an application for a 20-metre high police mast at the AIT factory in Lawrence Avenue -- a request opposed by local residents and councillors.

Members heard that the low frequency mast was less likely than mobile phone masts to pose any health hazard.

But Coun Philip Walsh said no-one knew what damage could be done, the application was in a residential area and should be rejected.

Coun Harry Brooks said there was a balance of interests to be weighed and reminded members the aim of the application was to help help make Burnley safer.

He said the greatest public concern in the town was civil disorder in one form or another.

"We should consider this very carefully," he added.

Although council officers had recommended approval, councillors deferred the application pending further inquiries.