MOBILE phone operators are to be challenged about their attitude to public opinion before any more masts are approved in the Yorkshire Dales.

Hawes, in Wensleydale, has found itself at the centre of a rush of applications for antennas, all said to be vital to the telecommunications industry.

Vodaphone wants to use the tower at St Margaret's Church while Orange has its sights set on land on the Brunt Acres Industrial Estate.

However, the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority has decided it wants hard evidence to prove mobile phone firms have considered sharing masts before it gives consent for any more. Companies bidding for antennas have been given two months to provide it.

"There is a real concern in Hawes that residents should not be subjected to a proliferation of masts," said Jerry Pearlman at a meeting at Middleham Key Centre yesterday.

"The authority has already decided there must be cooperation between operators and attempts to share masts have not been pursued. I would like to see full information as to what mast sharing opportunities are available, and the various mast operators publicly demonstrating that they are making a genuine effort."

Planning officer Mark Williams said an improved mobile phone signal could help attract new firms to the area.

National park authority solicitor Mervyn Wilmington said deferring a decision could prompt Orange to appeal to the Environment Secretary as a two-month deferral would mean the authority would fail to decide on the company's application within the prescribed time limit.

However, John Blackie, who represents Hawes at parish, district and county council level, supported Mr Pearlman.

"We need to come to a solution that has the confidence of the people of Hawes and the only way to achieve it is to get the mobile phone operators round the table and see if we can find a solution," he said.