DURHAM County Council has moved to try to stop mobile telephone masts being sited in the grounds of schools.

The council's executive committee has approved a policy introducing a presumption against leasing school land to mobile telephone operators.

But the council said it would still treat each application individually, taking account of school governors' views.

There are already masts at five schools in the county, including Durham Johnston School.

Although scientific research suggests there are no health risks, fears persist, and many mast plans face considerable opposition, particularly near schools or playing fields.

There is also concern that planning rules give council insufficient powers over the siting of masts.

The executive committee heard that the 1984 Telecommunications Act made it difficult to remove masts once they had been installed.

Council leader Don Robson said: "There is no doubt there is a lot of concern about this.''

He told the committee: "The law has to change, whatever we think.

"We have to get on to the Local Government Association to make sure the proper decision is made nationally.''