With regards to the mobile phone mast BT TEC site on the Old Shoreham Road in Hove, (February 1) in the last seven months I have walked miles and have worked in an effort to raise local awareness.

I have been met with apathy, an attitude of 'why bother' and a failure to deliver from the likes of MP Ivor Caplin, many council officials and some residents.

On the positive side, I have been met with warmth and a desire to succeed from many other local residents and from Councillor Mark Worgan.

Our fate lies in the hands of the councillors, whose conscience should remind them they have a duty of care to the people who elect them, regardless of the area they reside in, and especially as the evidence of the safety of these masts is not conclusive.

Why would the Government be spending £7 million on research if there was nothing to worry about?

Brighton and Hove Council's planning officer, Liz Hobden, advised that due to the demand in the Hove area by people using mobile phones, the mast at the BT site will go ahead, regardless of the petition I was preparing.

She advised that she is not concerned with the health issues as she is acting within the guidelines and as the Government has not issued her with a personal stop notice, she will continue to give authority to put these masts up.

I thought we lived in a democratic society and, therefore, do our concerns not matter?

How does Brighton and Hove Council intend to proceed in the new millennium?

Hopefully by taking the same stand as Kent County Council and not acting as a small town council only interested in itself and the power it holds.

-Mrs Ingledew, Amhurst Crescent, Hove