RESIDENTS are fighting plans to install three more mobile phone antennas just metres from their homes.
Vodafone has applied to North Tyneside Council for planning permission to install three pole mounted antennas onto an existing mast on the roof of the Wallsend Labour Club in Camberley Road, Howdon.
But residents are concerned at the close proximi
ty of the nearby primary school and feel the extra masts could have an impact on their children's health.
Susan Whitecross, of Camberley Road, is leading a campaign to reject the application.
She said: "These antennas are right in the heart of a residential area and very close to the primary school.
"I know Government guidance means the council can't reject the application on health grounds but a lot of people are worried about the possible risks.
"These are just young children and if there is any doubt about whether or not they will be harmed this should not go ahead."
A report in 2000 by Sir William Stewart on the effect of mobile phone masts concluded the level of emissions did not adversely affect the health of the general population.
But it also recognised gaps in the current level of knowledge and called for more research into the health aspects.
A survey last year found almost one in ten schools in the UK had a mast within 200m.
Mrs Whitecross herself has a 15-year-old daughter and has noticed changes in her family's wellbeing since the original mast was installed.
The 41-year-old said: "I have suffered a lot from headaches and my daughter occasionally gets nose bleeds which she has never experienced before.
"We can't say we have evidence that the mast is to blame but we can't say that it isn't either.
"There needs to be much more research into this."
A spokesperson for Vodafone said: "We have not got any equipment on this site at the moment as the current mast is occupied by T Mobile.
"We have applied to install three pole mounted antennas to provide 3G service for the area.
"By sharing this mast with T Mobile we will not have to erect a separate mast in the same area.
"This will reduce the visual effect on nearby residents and allow us to maintain the service for our customers."
Residents and interested parties can raise any objections to the application with North Tyneside Council.
