AN ANTI-phone mast campaigner has voiced concerns over plans to install mobile phone masts on one of the stands at Turf Moor.

A planning application to erect mobile telephone masts above the Jimmy McIlroy Stand at Burnley FC's ground was rejected by Burnley Borough Council in December 2001.

But campaigner Dennis Cannon, of the pressure group Together Against Masts, said the plan had been resurrected, using smaller masts to by-pass planning laws.

The previous application, submitted by BT Cellnet, was to erect nine antennas and two transmission dishes to be attached to two poles on the stand, but it was thrown out following huge opposition.

According to the law, masts more than 15m tall require planning permission, masts shorter than 15m require prior approval, which can be ignored by the operator, if the approval was refused by the council and masts the size of TV aerials require no permission.

Mr Cannon said: "In Burnley, we have the case of Burnley Football Club seeking a prior approval to install masts on a stand.

"The Planning Committee refused and backed the hundreds of local residents who objected. Now, I understand that the installation is now going ahead, using smaller antennae.

"The Council is unable to do anything about it. The radiation will be just the same and the local residents will have to suffer this radiation 24 hours a day for at least the next 10 years.

"We need people to object vociferously. Remember, the next mast might be on your doorstep."

A spokesman for Burnley Borough Council said: "We have been notified of the intention of BT Cellnet to erect masts at Burnley Football Club and, although we are opposed to this, it falls outside the category that requires planning permission."

Mr Cannon is calling on people to sign up to his campaign against masts by calling him on 01282 771635.

Objectors can also call into Ken Preston's newsagents on Brunshaw Road, immediately above the football club.

A spokesman for BT Cellnet said: "Although I cannot comment on this specific case there's no evidence to suggest that masts are unsafe.

"The typical mast has a lower emission than a baby monitor."

Clarets Director Clive Holt said: "The plans were passed without any protest from the council and we then signed a 10-year contract with the phone company. We signed the contract and must fulfil it."