RADIATION watchdogs are to tighten up safety guidelines amid continuing fears over emissions from RAF Fylingdales, the Evening Press can reveal today.

Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon has disclosed that under a new "precautionary approach" by the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB), guidelines on levels of exposure to emissions will be cut.

He said the Ministry of Defence was monitoring the board's work closely, but was confident that the spy base radar on the North York Moors would meet any new levels that were set.

Jackie Fearnley, of the Fylingdales Action Network, said concerns were growing about the safety of people living and working near the base, and claimed that new evidence was emerging that even low levels of exposure were dangerous.

News of the new guidelines, contained in a letter to Ryedale MP John Greenway, comes as Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram prepares to discuss Fylingdales' controversial involvement in the Son of Star Wars missile defence project at a public meeting at 7pm this evening in Thornton-le-Dale village hall.

Mr Hoon said the NRPB had been looking at the possible effects of radio emissions across a very wide spectrum, not just the frequencies on which military radars operate. It had been cautious in its assessment of the risks, he said.

In reviewing the scientific work done in this area, the board had concluded that there remained uncertainties, but that a precautionary approach should be adopted.

"Under this approach, guideline levels of exposure should be reduced, but that does not mean that exposure above these levels will necessarily pose health risks."

The Defence Secretary wrote to Mr Greenway after the MP had contacted Adam Ingram about the Fylingdales radiation worries of a top US Air Force scientist.

The Evening Press reported how Dr Richard Albanese said he would not buy a house near the base because he feared the radiation created could cause cancer.

Mr Hoon said the Ministry was aware of Dr Albanese's views on radar emissions, but did not support his conclusions.

"This is a very complex area of scientific research, but the weight of scientific opinion in this area does not support the view that such emissions are harmful."

He said ground level radiation emissions from Fylingdales were many times below the limits currently set by the NRPB.

Mr Greenway today welcomed the cut in guideline levels, but also called on the Government to publish all the available information about emissions to reassure local people.

"Personally, I do not believe there is a risk, because there is no evidence of it. However, that's easy for me to say, living 30 miles away, and I think people living locally have got to make their own judgement."

Updated: 10:51 Thursday, June 26, 2003