My Conservative opponent really ought to get up to date before writing to you about phone masts (Times Letters, December 14).

The problem is that the planning laws which we inherited from his government do not allow us to do what he suggests. That is why the Labour Government has already issued proposals to change the rules to allow greater scrutiny.

In the meantime, I, the council and residents have been working within the existing framework to try and get some sanity into the position.

There have been successes Orange have now formally confirmed in writing that they have dropped plans for masts outside Orion Court, Hale Lane, and at the Rise after listening to the representations we put with the community.

As usual, the Conservatives don't let the facts get in the way and are behind in the game.

Andrew Dismore

MP for Hendon