THE headteacher of a special school has said he will not oppose plans for a nearby mobile phone mast as long as the health of pupils is not affected.

But others have opposed the plan, for a 15 metre telegraph pole-style mast in Shadsworth Road, Blackburn, because of fears about radiation.

Mike Hatch, headteacher at Crosshill Special School in Shadsworth Road, said: "In principle I have no objections. If there is health issues with it then, obviously, it is of concern. The evidence, as far as I know, is that it isn't a problem.

"I have no objections as long as it is not going to have an impact on our children's and the community's health and well being. These masts have to go somewhere.

"People need to be able to access their phones and I don't think it would be an eyesore."

But Coun Tony Humphrys, a Blackburn with Darwen ward member for Shadsworth with Whitebirk, said he expected up to 300 people to sign a petition opposing the plan for a mast on the pavement by the Esso petrol station and Spar supermarket.

He said: "People are concerned that it is close to the school, a nursery and shops and elderly residents live in the area.

"We will definitely be opposing it because we are not 100per cent positive whether masts are safe."

An O2 spokeswoman said the firm was asking residents what they thought of the plan before putting in a formal planning application, which councillors will then consider.

She said the pole was needed to improve regular and high-tech 3G coverage and putting it on the street was the "last option".