The People's Charter Against TETRA masts.

(The situation is very worrying but what can I do about it? -The NRPB's Dr Michael Clark)(33)

There will be a TETRA mast in your area, so scour planning applications in local papers: look for 02, MM02, Airwave or names of agents, including Don Proctor, Comms Solutions, Waldon, PD Savill.

Meet county councillors, with experts on TETRA, to inform councillors.

Ask councils to let people know if there is an attempt to put masts through under permitted development. If so, send five letters of objection from the public, recorded delivery, to the named person from the company responsible and to the council planning department.

Put pressure on the council. Although TETRA masts under fifteen metres do not usually need planning permission, some councils have denied permission. The companies have gone to court only to find the courts back the council. Planning authorities often say they cannot take into account a fear of health risks. Not so. There is legal precedent for health and perceived risk to health being accepted as a material planning consideration. (Skelt v. the First Secretary of State) Be aware that there are reports that a company may put in two planning applications simultaneously for one mast site.

Speak to local landowners. If local people wish to make claims for ill health or depreciation of property, they can claim against the landowner but not 02. (In one case, a landowner is being sued for £5.2 million.)

Inform yourself: (Intelligence Is Everywhere is Motorola's slogan. How very true.) See the websites of;

• Tetra Watch
• Mast Sanity
• Mast Action
• Power Watch
• Dr Grahame Blackwell
• Electromagnetic Hazard and Therapy

Inform your community with leaflets and public meetings: form a local campaign, link up with other groups

Talk to the local police, and give them information.

Put pressure on the company, with press releases, and petitions. Switch your phone, if you have Motorola or O2, to another company, and tell them why.

Contact your MP and MEP. Dr Caroline Lucas, Green MEP has called for an EU-wide ban on TETRA. If her declaration for a ban attacts 313 signatures from MEPs, it will become the official policy of the European Parliament, and TETRA could be stopped in its tracks. Find your MEP by phoning 0207 227 4300.

Contact local and national press.

Keep a daily health diary before a mast is switched on and after: important for raw evidence.