Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith has pledged to push for an investigation into the safety of mobile phone masts.

The Woodford Green MP visited residents in Carnarvon Road after hearing about the cluster of cancer cases in the South Woodford road.

Concerned that there could be a link between the masts and cancer, Mr Duncan Smith promised that he would push for studies to be carried out as quickly as possible.

He told the Guardian: "I am concerned about it. I am going to try to get the Government to look at the probability of there being a link, and start a study. There are varying opinions on it but there are lots of grey areas that need looking into.

"They haven't looked at the effects of masts collectively. Having so many on one building could have a detrimental effect. I have never seen as many masts on one building in a residential street as this."

The possible cancer link was first raised in the Guardian on November 1 when we revealed how out of seven houses next to the mobile phone station, five are home to cancer victims.

Mr Duncan Smith said: "This is an abnormal cluster, no doubt about it. I will certainly look into it. I don't see why the masts couldn't be moved onto a less built-up area.

"I also want to look at the planning rules on this. These masts on the building are an eyesore. Personally, I think there should be a limit. The idea is to figure out if there is a health hazard. I can put pressure on the investigations being speeded up."

Cancer victim Constance Nash, 80 said she was grateful that Mr Duncan Smith had given up his time to visit the street, finding out residents' worries for himself.

She said: "We hope he can use his influence to get things done quickly. A lot more people would have liked to have spoken to him, but they were at work."

Her concerns are supported by dozens of other residents in the street, although there are some neighbours who are anxious for facts to be sought before any cancer links are suggested.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: "Some of us aren't very happy about the street being called Cancer Street. We need to get the facts first. It has to be proven there is a link.

"I am 100 per cent behind finding out though. I have children, and it is frightening to think that there could be problems with the masts."

November 22, 2001 13:01