SIR, I note that the police wish to install masts at remote, potentially sensitive locations, within the National Park (Gazette, March 29).

One wonders how we've coped thus far.

The environmental objections will, of course, be balanced against the public interest.

Can we further expect that space on the masts will subsequently be rented out to private companies, thereby ensuring the project is self-financing? Then the public interest is doubly served, saving the taxpayer a few bob into the bargain.

The mobile phone companies would, meanwhile, gain the coverage they require by the back door, without the need to fight all those planning regulations, and mobile phone users could conduct their tedious conversations in the remotest locations.

Everyone's a winner, give or take a few bearded environmentalists!

Allan Miller

Sedgwick

SIR, Looking at a piece of metal is a very small price to pay for the saving of a life.

The National Park Authority should remember this as they may need this service one day!

Carl Love

Bowness-on-Windermere