CAMPAIGNERS against a telecommunications mast in the Farndale Valley braved the cold and rain on Tuesday to hold a public protest meeting.

The protesters have spent the past two years objecting on health grounds to a 15m tower and microwave dish communications installation, which is being built near their homes in East Farndale.

The North York Moors national park planning board gave planning approval to the dish and mast because both paramedics and police were plagued by "blind spots" where they were unable to speak to their control centres.

But people living in the area are worried that the mast, not far from the famous Daffodil Walk, could pose a health risk.

In a final effort to draw attention to their case, they gathered at the site at Cote Hill Farm to protest.

A dozen or so adults and several children carrying placards ignored the cold to stage their protest and wave their banners.

The campaigners wanted to highlight fears that the high frequency waves may affect the health of people living nearby and encourage other people to mount their own campaigns when other such masts are planned.

Mother-of-two, Mrs Liz McCabe, one of the campaign leaders, said that they did not want to stand in the way of an improved radio network for the emergency services, but that residents had been caught in the middle.

Accompanied by her two children, Katie, aged seven and Charlotte, aged four, Mrs McCabe said: "All we are saying is that we want more research before we accept it is safe for this mast or others to be built. Scientific research has indicated that the mast could emit frequencies, which should be avoided.

"It is suggested that the high frequency waves are very close to the brain wave patterns and could cause several problems including epileptic fits."

Mrs Shirley-Ann Collier, whose cottage is closest to the mast, said: "The groundwork and road leading to the mast is now being prepared, but we feel we must fight on. There is so much conflicting evidence as to whether such masts are a danger to health. We want other people to stand up and protest if masts are planned in their locality."

Through their solicitors, the campaigners will tell the national park that they will hold it legally responsible if the mast is built and residents subsequently suffer health problems from it.

Chief planning officer for the North York moors park, Mrs Val Dilcock, said the authority only approved the mast after consultation with experts as well as the National Radiological Protection Board