Plans for dozens of new masts across the South West as part of a new emergency services radio system have been put on hold.

Devon and Cornwall Police says the Airwave system, which had been due online this year, has been put back until 2005.

Police say they are blaming delays in getting planning permissions for the system, which is also known as Tetra.

In many places where masts have been planned, people worried about the health implications have organised protest campaigns.

Police radios are due to be replaced

Villagers from Lustleigh on Dartmoor persuaded the National Park Authority to abandon plans for a mast in the village in September 2002.

They claim the system is a health risk.

Lustleigh anti-mast campaigner Dr Graham Blackwell said: "There will be a lot of people across the Westcountry who will be relieved at this step forward in the health implications of the masts.

"There are various scientific papers showing the implications of the sort of radiation that Tetra emits and what they can do in various different ways."

Planning delays

However, the police say this is only a pause and that the system will go ahead.

Superintendent Tim Swarbrick said: "The delays in the planning process have been prompted by a number of people who have expressed concerns.

"People should be able to say what they think and ask questions. But I would urge that people have an open mind and read all the research.

"At this stage, Airwave has proved to be entirely safe."