RESIDENTS in Ashton are battling to put a stop to a mobile phone mast being put up just a stone's throw from a built-up area.

BT Cellnet is seeking planning permission from Preston Borough Council to erect the mast at the junction of Blackpool Road and Cottam Lane.

But many people, particularly those living in Birch Avenue and Cottam Lane, are angry about the move and claim the council is ignoring their opinions.

Enrico Giennone Riley, 72, from Cottam Lane, lives in the bungalow closest to the site of the planned mast. He is outraged at the plan. He said: "I'm absolutely fed up with the council and mobile phone companies who think they can just ride roughshod over people's fears.

"I've written to councillors and MPs about this, but all I get is some flimsy response that mobile phone masts do not pose any risk to people's health.

"I think that's utter rubbish. It's about time the government, councils and phone companies took a bit of notice."

Councillor Fitzgerald, who represents Larches ward, said: "The people of Preston need to be made aware that these mobile phone masts could turn up on people's doorsteps whether they like it or not."

A spokesperson for BT Cellnet said: "There are more than 40 million mobile phone users in the UK today and this number is growing rapidly.

"BT Cellnet alone has more than 11 million subscribers and spends two million pounds every working day on improving its network to offer its subscribers a good quality of service.

"The National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) - an independent body - and other reputable agencies have advised that there is currently no convincing scientific evidence of a risk to health through exposure to radio frequency waves below the national guidelines.

Preston Borough Council's planning committee will consider BT Cellnet's application on Monday June 25.