Angry residents in Grove Road, Walthamstow, claim they have not been consulted by the council over plans to install a mobile phone mast near their homes.

An application to erect a mast on top of the Walthamstow Telephone Exchange in Hoe Street, has been submitted to the council by Crown Castle UK, on behalf of BT, but it is unclear which mobile phone company owns the mast.

Paul Walsh, 46, of Grove Road, is vehemently opposing the application. He fears for the health of his children. Mr Walsh said he sent a petition and letters of objection to the council highlighting his concerns, but was told by an officer on Monday that she had not received his correspondence.

He said: "I have never received a reply from the council. I feel very angry about this. The scaffolding went up on the building last week. We are worried about people's health. This thing has gone ahead without a consultation."

In one of his letters, Mr Walsh said: "I know that several petitions were sent to you. However, you did not have the courtesy to respond to any of the correspondence. I am appalled to see that, despite all known health risks, the equipment is being installed. As a parent with two young children I am very concerned about the health risks.

"The health and well-being of local residents must be given a higher priority. In years to come these health issues will come to the fore."

Neighbour Julie Cornish has raised her concerns with Walthamstow MP Neil Gerrard. Mrs Cornish said: "My concern is the health risks, and we the residents don't seem to have a say in these things."

A council spokesman said: "Telephone masts are being erected because mobile phone users are demanding better reception and more services from their telephones. Mobile phones are unlikely to go away and the council continues to receive many requests to position masts.

"The council understands that people are concerned about the radio emissions from phones and masts. However, it must act within the law and in accordance with planning laws.

"This means that once the applicant has submitted an ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection) certificate, stating that the proposed mast falls within the maximum exposure levels, the council has no power to refuse on health grounds this remains a Government responsibility.

"The planning process has limited influence on where masts can be sited, except on practical environmental and appearance grounds. The council can only influence where masts are placed on its properties."

July 12, 2002 10:00