RESIDENTS fighting plans for a giant mast near their homes have complained about a consultation into the health risks.

Farndale householders fear the TETRA mast, which will improve communications for North Yorkshire's emergency services, will damage their health.

Planning permission for the mast has already been granted, despite strong protests from residents.

To allay their fears, North York Moors National Park bosses promised an independent consultation into the health risks.

But residents have complained that the consultation was carried out by a national park ranger, who had previously worked for North Yorkshire County Council developing the radio communication system used by the park.

Resident Liz McCabe said a director of a radio consultancy firm employed to advise on any health risks had been a ranger for the national park for many years, and she therefore questioned his independence.

But Val Dilcock, chief planning officer for the National Park, said an independent consultation had taken place.

She said the ranger was one of 150 voluntary workers at the park, not an employee, and he had not been subjective with his findings.

Mark Southerton, development control manager for the North York Moors national park, said it was "a nonsense" to suggest they had not carried out an independent consultation.

Updated: 09:53 Thursday, December 27, 2001