DALES residents have expressed concerns over British Telecom's plans to install a series of radio masts.

The company has submitted applications to the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority to site radio antennae and masts throughout Swaledale and Arkengarthdale.

The equipment is needed to provide radio communications coverage for the emergency services as part of the North Yorkshire Public Safety Radio Communications Project.

The scheme aims to provide a single network for emergency services to communicate effectively with each other, but local residents are concerned by the plans.

Equipment would be sited at Haw Farm, at Burton-cum-Walden, Roof Farm, at Gunnerside, Dalehead Farm, at Arkengarthdale, and at West Stonesdale.

A Burton-cum-Walden Parish Council spokesperson said: "The parish council feel that since Haw Farm is a listed building and has been associated with recent planning and appeals, it would seem inappropriate to place a communication mast 10m high in close proximity to a listed building."

Planning officers are waiting for amended plans from BT before making their recommendations.