NATIONAL park enthusiasts are calling for people not to use their mobile phones out on the fells because they intrude on people's solitude, and can make walkers less self-reliant.
The Adventure and Environmental Awareness Group says not only would an increase in mobile phone masts in the national park have a "severe visual impact" on the landscape, but that the cumulative effect of masts brings intrusion into areas where people seek peace and tranquility.
Now the group is urging the Lake District National Park Authority to resist planning applications for mobile telephone masts.
The group, which is made up of a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts and environmental and recreation organisations, including the national park authority itself, claims that there are 14 masts, a further 28 with planning consent approved, and plans for another 50 in the national park.
A spokesman for the park authority said each application for a telecommunications mast was treated on its own merits.
May 6, 2003 12:00
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