A PENSIONER fears for the future of Atherton children, following plans to install a mobile phone mast in the neighbourhood.

Alice Cook, of Mealhouse Court, is concerned not enough is known about the long-term effects of mobile phone technology to allow the equipment to be installed close to four schools.

Vodafone does not require planning permission to install the telecommunication equipment, including a mast and aerial dishes, on the roof of Howe Bridge Mills in Flapper Fold Lane, but must notify Wigan Council.

Neighbours of the mill, part of which is still used for storage, are concerned about the health implications, and Mrs Cook is rallying the troops to protest against the plans.

The 86-year-old, who has four children, 12 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren, is determined to persuade Wigan Council's planning department to stop Vodafone installing the equipment, and has organised a petition.

Mrs Cook, who has lived in Atherton all her life, said: "I feel really upset about it.

"Nobody seems to know anything about it, but this should have been made public.

"What is going to be there for and why should it be close to four schools? I think the whole thing is underhand.

"Parents and teachers should be fighting to stop the plans and not myself and my elderly neighbours."

Mrs Cook, who is a keen writer, will be moving to Edinburgh later this year to be near her many great-grandchildren, but she remains determined to leave a mark on her hometown.

"I love Atherton and who knows what will happen to children growing up here if the mast goes up - it's too late for someone my age, but it's the children I worry about" she added.

Coun Sue Loudon said: "There has already been a mobile phone mast on the mill for some time.

"We cannot refuse it because it is not a planning application and we are not allowed to object on health grounds.

"This is a national and not just a local problem. New government guidelines are going to be introduced which will mean all mobile phone companies have to apply for planning permission which will be an improvement.

"Nobody really knows what the health implications of the masts will be in the future."

A spokesman from Wigan Council's planning department confirmed Vodafone did not need planning permission to install the equipment and claimed he had only received one complaint from the public.