VODAFONE has launched a website devoted to research on health and mobile masts.

On its site, the phone giant acknowledges that further research into the issue is needed.

But it says: "The World Health Organisation's (WHO) factsheet on base stations and wireless technologies states that "there is no convincing scientific evidence that the weak RF (radio frequency) signals from base stations and wireless networks cause adverse health effects".

"The WHO's research agenda does not include further studies into the effects of RF exposure from base stations, as this is not considered necessary.

"We appreciate that sometimes people are still concerned, and we consult with local communities when choosing sites for our base stations to make sure we understand their issues.

"Particular concerns have been raised about base stations being placed in, or near, schools and other community buildings."