By Claire Warrender

CAMPAIGNERS IN Burntisland have launched a petition against plans to install a mobile phone mast in a historic church tower.

Locals are horrified that the 400-year-old parish church would even consider allowing 3G to install antennae and have called on minister Alan Sharp to reconsider.

The A-listed building is considered one of the most important post-reformation churches in the world as it is where, in 1601, King James VI authorised a new English version of the Bible.

It is also one of just two square churches in the whole of Europe.

Mr Sharp offered an assurance yesterday that the mast would pose no risk whatsoever to the community, but one opponent maintained the only emission which should come from the church was the word of God.

There were also suggestions the church could benefit by several thousands of pounds a year from the arrangement.

3G applied to Fife Council for planning permission in October and, although the application has yet to go before councillors, the church has agreed in principle to the use of the bell tower.

More than 1000 people have signed a petition against the proposal on health grounds, saying they do not want another phone mast anywhere in Burntisland but especially not in the church.

One of the campaigners, Ann Taylor, said, “Studies have been done and the conclusions always say the radio waves are probably not harmful to health.

“Unless they can give us a guarantee that they definitely aren’t harmful we don’t want this in the town.”

Mrs Taylor said the area surrounding the church was densely populated and included a health centre and the church hall which was used by community groups.

“The minister wants this but the minister doesn’t live near the church. People have phoned and told him they’re not happy with what he’s doing.”

Local man Ron Blanchard said the plan had frightened a number of people, and added, “I find it worrying that it’s the church that’s doing this.

“There should only be one emission coming from the church and that’s the word of God, not dangerous radio emissions.”

Mr Blanchard denied those who were challenging the proposal were guilty of NIMBYism, and said, “People are genuinely worried about it.

“There are phone masts all over the place and we feel enough is enough.

“We are most upset that the church would consider doing this in the first place and we need to get it stopped before it gets to the planning stage.”

Responding to the concerns, Mr Sharp said, “One of the problems is people get perplexed by science. My background is in physics and there is no possible risk to anybody from this.

“There have been tens of thousands of studies done to try to find any risk. Surely if there was a risk it would have been found by now.” He added that people were more at risk from their televisions than a 20-watt mobile phone mast.

“There are huge transmitters on the Bin Hill overlooking the town which are broadcasting kilowatts of power, not the 20 watts of power we’re talking about from the aerials on the church.

“If the masts on the church are dangerous then the masts on the Bin must be weapons of mass destruction.”

Mr Sharp maintained the aerials would not interfere with the historic building and would not be visible from the outside, but conceded, “If this is going to damage our relationship with the community we might have to withdraw.”