ACTION has been taken by angry Haslington residents to stop the proposed erection of a telecommunications mast.

Home-owners in Clay Lane were dismayed to find that British Telecom have made an application to the borough council to site a mast near their properties.

Nearly 30 residents have signed letters and parish councillor, Ms Lee Allen, handed over the petition to borough councillor Dawn Threadgold, last week, to try and stop the development.

"There are already electricity pylons behind our houses," said Ms Allen. "We believe very strongly that they cause health problems. There has been no research into the effects of having both electricity and telecommunications emissions on a residential population.

"We do no want to be guinea pigs!"

Under the rules of the application, the borough council can spend no more than 42 days to make a decision and if they fail to keep to the deadline, permission must be granted.

Councillor Threadgold has promised to pursue the matter with the planning authority.

"There may be problems with this combination of emissions and it is important that we do all we can to protect public safety," said Cllr Threadgold.

" I am pleased that Lee Allen has brought it to my attention. The information that we have been given at present is that these masts are safe yet it is certainly the case that many of these applications are now turned down.

"It is surprising, however, despite all the alleged problems caused by mobile phones, people are not discouraged from using them."

Cllr Threadgold added whatever decision is made, an officer will go to the site to talk to the residents.

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