People who want to know where mobile masts are sited in Brighton and Hove can now look at them on the map.

The Argus has been campaigning for this map and welcomes its arrival.

But why on Earth did it take two years for this map to be prepared by Brighton and Hove City Council? It's a simple enough map and hardly rocket science.

First of all the council seemed to doubt the necessity for the map and then have reservations about whether it was possible. Finally it took a long time to prepare.

People are worried about mobile phone masts for two reasons. One is most of them are highly visible and extremely ugly.

The other and more serious reason, is no one really knows whether or not they pose any danger to health.

Brighton and Hove's map is available at information centres, libraries and the internet. It will be updated every six months.

Part of the anxiety around mobile phone masts has arisen because people do not know where they are. Because this map is widely available, it will improve understanding.

Although the Government has been ambivalent over the health risks, all the masts on the map meet safety guidelines.

This map will also help councillors on the planning committee when making decisions on new masts. They will be able to see at a glance whether there are already too many in one area.