TWO more police radio masts have been put up in the Huddersfield area.

The permanent mast at Holmfirth and temporary aerials in Milnsbridge are part of a national drive to improve communications throughout the force.

In February, the mast at Shaley Farm in Holmfirth was initially turned down - to the delight of local protesters.

But the amended plans were accepted and the mast has now been installed.

The antennae, which will eventually be used by all emergency services, are installed by a company called Airwaves and operated by the MMO2 telecommunications service provider.

Louise Baldock - of the Holme Valley Labour and Co-operative parties, one of the original protesters - said: "The new antennae at Shaley Farm have been placed around an existing building, rather than being on a tall mast, as originally planned. The visual impact is very much less.

"I know some residents are still worried about the potential health impact of these radio waves. But I think the benefits this will give to our police in the fight against crime means this is probably the best possible outcome."

Objectors said the site was not appropriate for a tall mast.

A second temporary mast has been installed in the Old Goods Yard in Scar Lane, Milnsbridge, near two huge mobile phone antennae.

Lynda Porter, owner of Lynda's Transport which has its premises in the yard, said protesters who complained about the police mast remained silent when the phone masts were built.

A West Yorkshire police spokeswoman said: "Over the next few years all forces will convert to the Airwaves system, allowing communication within and between forces.

"As part of this work, MMO2 will plan a completely new radio-based network."

Planning applications and the location of the masts are dictated by MMO2.

"We would ask planning authorities to support MMO2. It will bring significant benefits to emergency services and the public," the police spokesman added.

"What we would say is that further masts are not going to be giant ones. A lot are going to be small aerials put on existing buildings."

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