fears continue to rise.

Telecommunications Minister Renee Webb yesterday revealed that a Health Department consultant has been engaged to carry out a probe into the towers, including the Warwick site which has caused the controversy.

She said the professional will examine the health issues surrounding the towers, which many believe emit cancer-causing radiation and report back to Cabinet.

"The consultant will look specifically at the tower site issue. We think it is important enough because it is so topical,'' the Minister said.

"There are concerns out there, we don't want people to be hysterical.'' Govt. mounts study into towers "If it is deemed that the towers are harmful, then what are we going to do, are we going to put in 600 ft towers? But one thing is for sure, people want to be connected to the outside world.'' The Warwick tower, being built by Bermuda Digital Communications, has caused much trouble, with residents demanding it be halted whilst health fears remain.

Southampton Princess staff have also raised concerns and management have raised the issue with bosses in Toronto. Lawyers are also looking at the lease signed by the hotel with BDC.

A community protest group, CARE, have demanded that either a health guarantee is made in writing or the tower be halted. Ms Webb said there were varying reports with regard to health and the cellular towers.

The BDC network is expected to be up and running within three months, she said.

She added that the issue had now been passed onto the Health Minister.

Shadow Telecommunications Minister Pamela Gordon earlier called for an environmental engineer to look into the issue.

She slammed the PLP for not handling the situation.

"An environmental engineer could be asked to use his expertise to determine whether or not the hazard is a reality, and whether or not those concerns are unfounded or unwarranted,'' she said.