IGNORANCE about mobile phone aerials has led to major safety concerns, a York councillor has claimed.

And Liberal Democrat Quentin Macdonald has urged the City of York Council to publish information to show there is no health risk.

His call follows a petition signed by 220 opponents to plans to add four microwave dishes to the Severus water tower in Holgate.

The tower already has 32 dishes and aerials attached.

Although the proposal was turned down by councillors because of its visual effect, health concerns were clearly at the forefront of discussions.

Coun Macdonald said: "The primary concern of the petition was the perceived health risk from the radio waves, and yet basic physics shows that there is no health risk from correctly-installed dishes."

According to the councillor, City of York Council had agreed to print an information leaflet outlining the findings of the Stewart report on mobile phones and health.

But it has not yet been produced.

He said: "The report itself is 158 pages long and the need for a layperson's guide was clearly demonstrated.

"Why has the executive member for planning and transport failed to ensure that an information sheet has been published?"

Officers recommended that the Severus water tower application be accepted, after research claimed emissions would be 10,000 times lower than maximum levels laid down by the National Radiological Protection Board. But councillors expressed concern.

Labour councillor Alan Jones said: "I am sure the experts are right, but there is a perception among the people of Holgate that these things are harmful to them.

"Whether there is any truth that there are medical risks or not, there is a great perception that the risks are there and we should say no to these dishes."

Coun Macdonald will make his request at Tuesday's full council meeting.

Updated: 11:13 Saturday, April 21, 2001