CAMPAIGNERS against the Vale of York pylons scheme today blasted a new study which dismissed health fears over power lines.

The study by the National Radiological Protection Board cast further doubt over claims that electro-magnetic fields produced by power lines and electrical appliances can lead to childhood leukaemia.

Researchers found no evidence that exposure even to very strong magnetic fields could lead to cancer.

But Professor Mike O'Carroll, chairman of Revolt, the group which fought a long but unsuccessful battle to prevent National Grid building a new power line from Teesside to Shipton-by- Beningbrough, near York, said: "This is so much slanted spin to be unworthy of serious comment - it looks like it has come straight out if the Downing Street spin machine."

He said members remained concerned that there was a greater risk of leukaemia and other illnesses for people living near power lines.

He added that he was a member of a working group set up by the World Health Organisation to look at the cancer risks, and it had produced a draft report earlier this year that a precautionary approach should be followed.

Updated: 10:51 Wednesday, June 11, 2003