A 1,000-SIGNATURE petition has been submitted to Highams Park councillors to prevent the installation of two mobile phone masts in Hale End Road.

A planning application, made by phone company Orange, proposes to raise the masts on top of the Regal snooker club building opposite the County Arms pub.

But residents and businesses have united in an attempt to quash the plans, arguing that the masts would be out of keeping with the area and pose a health risk, taking into account the close proximity of nurseries and schools.

Residents drew up the petition, a copy of which appeared in the Highams Park post office and in the Highams Park station booking office.

Maggie Playle, of Beech Hall Road, said: "I live right opposite the site. I would only have to open my curtains to have the masts staring straight at me.

"It seems to me that these companies just find the highest building possible and apply to put a mast on it."

In a further attempt to thwart the Orange plans, more than 100 letters have been sent to councillors Timothy Croot, Matthew Davis and Lesley Finlayson, as well as the council's environmental services department.

Residents argue that the masts would totally dominate the skyline, spoil the character of the village and pose a potential health hazard to all those who live and work in the area especially children.

The latest Orange application comes just three weeks after the council turned down plans for a mast on the Jubilee sports ground, The Avenue, Highams Park.

That particular application was unanimously turned down by the planning committee on grounds of its visual impact.

Legislation currently makes it impossible to refuse permission solely on grounds of health risk, as no definitive evidence is yet available that the masts pose a health problem.

The council will notify residents of the date of the planning committee meeting which will review the Highams Park application, giving people the opportunity to express their view in person.

July 18, 2002 11:30