By JOEL SAWYER

THE fight against a phone mast in Callands is gaining momentum.

Residents of Goldcliffe Close are battling plans by Orange Communications to erect a 15m mast on Europa Boulevard near to a Daewoo Garage.

Letters have been sent by residents to local councillors, MPs and the chief executives of both Warrington and Cheshire County Councils which air their concerns about the scheme, which has been submitted to the borough council.

Goldcliffe Close resident Andrew Twiss said: "All residents are disgusted and have formally written to complain stating their strong objections. We will also be raising a petition and lobbying strongly.

"The mast is in a completely inappropriate location. It is only 50 metres from and in direct eyesight of many residential homes, next to a woodland trust area.

"It is significantly more obtrusive than the much smaller versions near motorways, being twice the height or more than all trees and both residential and industrial properties in the surrounding area.

"This mast would clearly dominate the skyline, immediately next to a heavily populated suburban area.

"There is strong scientific evidence of links to childhood leukaemia to such masts. I have three young children and will not relent until this proposal is stopped."

A spokesman for Orange said: "Orange is pledging commitment to best practice standards to address public concerns about mobile phone transmitter sites, in co-operation with the Government's intentions regarding new planning guidance.

"We welcome, and have been working towards, greater transparency in the planning process and increased opportunities for local communities and authorities to participate in our network roll-out plans.

"Orange is committed to providing the UK with the most advanced mobile communications infrastructure and to do so in a responsible and environmentally accountable way."