HUNDREDS of protesters took to the streets to voice concerns over plans to erect mobile phone masts in their area.

Residents gathered at the BT exchange in Chislehurst Road, Orpington, to demand O2 finds an alternative site.

The mobile phone company, which received planning permission in 2001, intends to build six antennae on the roof of the exchange building.

Staff from O2 informed residents the scheme was finally going ahead during a recent meeting.

John Horam MP for Orpington has supported residents by sending out petitions.

He said: "People are worried because it's a residential area and there is a primary school nearby.

"We hope O2 will take account of community views by looking at alternative sites."

BT sold the roof space to Crown Castle, whose business is to lease space to mobile phone operators such as O2.

Susan Green, 40, of New Road, Orpington, who has been living in the area for six years, is concerned about the potential health risks.

The mother-of-one said: "It's worrying because nothing will stop other masts from going."

O2's community relations manger James Stevenson said: "Residents knew we were planning to build them in 2001.

"There has been no scientific evidence to prove our operators carry any potential health risks."

A Crown Castle spokesman says all of its mobile phone base stations operate within international health guidelines.