FURIOUS residents are hoping people power will help fight plans to erect a mobile phone mast close to their homes.

Neighbours in Reedley packed into a public meeting at The Oaks hotel last night, after communications company Orange submitted plans to site a transmitter, antennae and related equipment at Belvedere and Calder Vale Sports Club, in Holden Road.

The meeting, chaired by resident Arthur Young, heard how people felt the structure would spell disaster for the area. They are supported by Brierfield councillor Frank Clifford.

He said: "The residents are very mad about this application. They have very serious concerns about this application.

"They believe it is a health risk and will also have an impact on the environment. We have already been deemed in Pendle as having a shortage of sporting facilities and this will not help that.

"This is a green lung in the middle of an urban core and I believe we can resist it on the grounds it seriously detracts from the benefits of using that playing field. If young people are to be encouraged to use the fields to learn rugby I don't think it's a wise decision to have this mast on the site and I would invite them to withdraw the application.

"I also think Orange have to satisfy us that they have considered all other sites."

The application is expected to be considered by members of the Brierfield and Reedley Committee on April 8.

Mr Young said: "We live at the top of Reedley Grove and would be very close to it. The distance between our house and the mast would be less than a cricket pitch. It's unbelievable.

"We have a nice field here where people go for a walk or take their dogs out and where children play. If they put a mast up people are going to be put off. Whether risks to health have been proved or not, there is a lot going on about masts and the risks, particularly to children."

A spokesman for Orange said: "We acknowledge public concern. However, there is no conclusive evidence that makes a link between exposure to radio waves, transmitter sites and long term public health risks.

"Orange will continue to operate within the stringent international standards set for radio networks by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection -- an independent agency that advises Governments and the public on relevant safety issues."