AS local residents, we were interested to read the article (Bury Times, July 16) following approval of the application by Orange for a communications tower at Bury Football Club.

Residents of nearby Birch Lea Close expressed strong opposition to the proposal, emphasising the visual impact and loss of amenity which would result.

Residents of Hazel Dene Close, also close to the proposal, were unable to express their opposition having had no notification from the council regarding the application!

Concerns have been heightened in the light of the substantial amount of recent publicity - both in the national and local press - about possible serious health risks associated with such telecommunications towers. According to reports, an all-party committee of MPs is calling for stricter guidelines and David Blunkett has ordered an urgent inquiry into the siting of masts on school roofs. Our local MP, David Chaytor, is supporting the inquiry and has called for a more cautious approach to the siting of masts near schools, hospitals and residential areas.

Despite increased health warnings, local planning officers stated in their report to members of Bury's planning sub-committee that health and safety concerns "are not a matter which could properly be taken into account in considering an application for planning permission".

We remain very disappointed and angered by the decision to approve the application and the apparent lack of concern shown regarding its effects on local residents.

RESIDENTS,

Birch Lea Close,

Hazel Dene Close, Bury.

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