A STUDY has found no evidence to suggest a link between RAF Fylingdales and cancer clusters.

The investigation was ordered by the Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale Primary Care Trust (PCT) in the wake of residents' concerns that radar emissions from the base could cause health risks.

Such worries were heightened by reports earlier this year about raised levels of certain cancers near the early warning station at Cape Cod in America, even though some experts have dismissed such fears.

In partnership with the Northern and Yorkshire Cancer Registry and Information Service (NYCRIS), Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale Primary Care Trust undertook an epidemiological study of cancer registrations between 1991 and 2000.

The review found that, for all cancers and for three of the four site-specific cancers - lung, female breast and colorectal - the rates for the wards around Fylingdales were either statistically significantly lower or similar to the PCT as a whole or the NYCRIS population, Northern and Yorkshire Region including South Humber.

The study concluded: "The currently available epidemiological research evidence does not support that there is a harmful effect to the public from low radio frequency radiation."

Ryedale MP John Greenway said: "It does show that there is no evidence of anything over the last 10 years. I agree with Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale PCT and Ryedale District Council that we need to have continuing research.

Rillington ward county councillor Murray Naylor, who lives at Huttons Ambo, said: "I am delighted that the report has come up with such a positive response as to the dangerous implications in the enhanced radar facility. I hope people will have their fears eased by this."

Updated: 11:16 Friday, November 28, 2003