AS in the case of so many new technologies, the mobile phone revolution has caught on fast. These days, it seems that everybody has one - from the teenager with his or her latest toy to the modern businessman with a piece of indispensable equipment.

Mobiles have changed the way we operate. They are a boon to communications and also an irritant, too. Indeed, "hello, it's me, I'm on the train" looks set to become part of the language.

However, although their existence is universal, many people don't like the masts that facilitate their use. The incident we report on Page 5 today shows just how strong feelings can become when residents believe a mast has been sited too near their homes. This newspaper would therefore like to make a number of points to these protesters.

If you own a mobile, then you have to accept the siting of a mast somewhere. If it's not near your backyard, it will certainly be in someone else's. There is no escaping this fact.

However, we realise that emotions can often run high over issues such as this and that people are undeniably worried. But workers who are paid to do a job must be allowed to do so without hindrance.

In an ideal world, the masts would be placed miles away on mountains hidden behind trees. We suspect this is not always possible.

None of us knows for sure what effect - if any - these masts will have on health. But in the meantime, we call for calm in what is undoubtedly a difficult situation.