SAFETY fears have prompted a fire authority to consider ban ning mobile phone masts at fire stations in the area.

The Cleveland authority will meet on Friday to discuss proposals for a ban on masts being built for profit on its land.

A recommendation will suggest that only masts that are needed for technical and operational use should be allowed at fire stations, and these should only be approved after a risk assessment has been carried out.

In 1988, the fire authority started to raise money by allowing mobile phone companies to build masts on its land.

Both Vodaphone and Orange signed agreements with the fire authority in 1998 to install equipment on an existing mast on fire authority land, in exchange for an annual fee.

Last June, a draft contract for another Vodaphone mast was drawn up, but was withdrawn due to safety fears.

In a report, Chief Fire Officer John Doyle says: "The draft contract was for the installation of telecommunications apparatus at Stockton fire station."

He said that, after a legal advisor looked at documents and proposals submitted by Vodaphone, concerns were raised about the fire station site being close to homes. The brigade decided to pull out of the proposals.

Cleveland Fire Brigade officials have also reacted to a report and decision by Hartlepool Borough Council not to give permission for any new masts near schools and residential areas in the borough, because of a lack of information about health risks.

If the fire authority follows the recommendations in the report, it will still allow mobile phone masts to be put up at fire stations if they are needed for the general running of the service.

If the recommendation is passed, the fire authority will have to look at different ways of raising extra funds from its buildings and land.

Mr Doyle says: "Brigade officers will continue to review and identify possible sources of additional income.

"However, due to concerns raised, a clear policy on the installation of telecommunications equipment on brigade premises is now required.