Les White, who is angry over plans to put up a phone mast in Rodbourne Cheney Picture: SIOBHAN BOYLE Ref: 76620-73CHILDREN'S health could be harmed if another phone mast is installed in Rodbourne Cheney, say concerned residents.

Fears were raised when an Orange transmitter was put up on the roof of Rusts supermarket, in Moredon Road, a few years ago.

Now Vodaphone wants to install a mast on the store, raising concerns that radiation levels could harm children attending nearby Rodbourne Cheney Primary School.

Parents are invited to a public meeting to discuss health issues at St Andrew's Church next Tuesday at 6.45pm.

Meeting organiser Les White, the chairman of Rodbourne Cheney Residents' Association, dismissed reports which claim there is no link between transmitters and ill health.

"The Stewart report said there was no risk to health, but it also said that one report could not be conclusive," he said.

"Reports in the Netherlands have raised concerns and I think parents ought to be concerned.

"You have to keep an open mind if there is a chance these rays could harm a child."

During the meeting, residents can raise questions which will be put to the company carrying out a consultation for Vodaphone.

The concerns are echoed by local councillor Derique Montaut (Lab, Moredon), who is also campaigning for a 15-metre O2 mast off Akers Way, to be removed.

He said: "The community has expressed strong fears about the impact this could have on the health of very young children.

"They are not satisfied by the answers from the phone company.

"The fact that there would be two transmitters has caused extra concerns.

"Besides being near the school, there is the working men's club and Blair Parade, which are always busy with shoppers and children."

Fears about mobile phone masts being put up near schools have increased in recent years.

Last week, a private members' bill was presented to Parliament calling for a ban on masts near classrooms and homes.

Vodaphone spokeswoman Jane Frapwell said that the company was operating within strict guidelines. "We take these concerns very seriously and are happy to address any issues," she said.

"We adhere to stringent guidelines recommended by the EU and the UK Government which also have the backing of the World Health Organisation."

She added because of the low levels of radiation permitted the masts needed to be in built-up areas to ensure users could get a signal.

Law Lords reject appeal

THE Law Lords have refused to entertain an appeal by residents against the siting of an Orange mobile phone mast near a school in Winchester, Hants.

Last December, the Court of Appeal dismissed a challenge brought in the names of two children against a High Court judge's refusal to review planning consent granted by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott following an inquiry.

Lawyers for Phoebe St Leger-Davey, six, of Chilbolton Avenue, and seven-year-old James Harrison, of Poet's Way, had told the court that they lived and went to school within 273 to 328 yards of the mast site and within the zone of greatest intensity of electromagnetic emissions.

Tamash Lal