Letter:Blast masts

Graham Ball reports that in 20 years' time, mobile phone masts will have become redundant ("Aerial bombardment", 1 September). Will local authorities, then have the power - and the will - to force the operators to remove them, or will they remain, ugly and rusting?

Mr Ball says no permission is needed to erect them. Unless the operators own the land on which they are sited, surely one group does have the power to refuse: the landowners. Would it be naive to hope that an increasing number will reject financial inducements in favour of a more pleasant countryside?

Next to tackle are the electricity companies, with their far more intrusive pylons and power lines.

Michael Hart

Osmington, Dorset