TEACHERS, parents and governors of a Leyland primary school fear a mobile telephone mast, planned to be built nearby, could put children's health at risk.

The proposed mast is set to be built at Greenbank Farm, opposite Lever House Lane School, Leyland, which is on the other side of the M6 motorway.

But staff and friends of the school have got together a 100-named petition and have rallied the support of Farington councillor Mark Alcock in bid to stop the mast being constructed.

Headteacher Bruce Fletcher said: "I sent an objection to the planning department on behalf of the school and our governors.

"From my reading on the subject, I have found people are not sure about the possible health risks of 'phone masts -- it could 10 years before we realise the implications and we just can't gamble with people's health.

"Experts have different views but, as we're talking about a school, it would be wrong to say how it would or wouldn't turn out. If eventually we find out that human health would not have been affected, fine, but we just can't take the risk.

"Other schools near 'phone masts may have lost out in terms of numbers of children and we are full at the moment and don't want that to change."

Coun Alcock, who is also a governor at the school, said: "We have a petition with more than 100 names from parents, teachers and councillors.

"Last year's Government Syewart report advised that mobile phone masts should not be put on the top of schools so we say that it must be advisable not to put them next to schools.

He added: "It will also stick out like a sore thumb and spoil the landscape."

Mike Gee, development control officer for Chorley Borough Council -- the local authority responsible for the land where the 'phone mast could be built -- said: "Any public response on this matter will be taken into account when we consider the application."