I read with interest, and great concern, the article about yet another proposal by a church to host a transmission mast in Brighton and Hove (The Argus, April 13).

In direct response to the comments made by David Nissen, church warden of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Dyke Road, Brighton, I would like to share the following information with him.

- It is not the position of a church to promote the ben-efits of mobile phones – there are also disadvantages. Current objections to a mast at the Good Shepherd relate to the church being in a residential area surrounded by families with young children, schools and nurseries.

- The UK Government has conducted little research into the effects of radiation from these masts and the research it has done has been jointly funded by the telecommunications industry. I hope Mr Nissen is conducting his own research and not simply relying on information the telecommunications company has given him.

- The Health Protection Agency has concluded: “Until more results are available, in particular from longer term studies, it would be wise to maintain a precautionary approach to the use of this technology.”

- Many churches in this country host masts but there has been huge opposition to them which is largely ignored by Government and industry and in some instances, sadly, by the church as well.

Local residents have enormous respect for the church and the good work it does in the community. Mr Nissen, please maintain this goodwill and let us all work together for a healthy and positive environment.

Mrs Blaylock
The Drove, Brighton