WORRIED school governors and residents have slammed plans for three new mobile phone antennas on the roof of a Bromsgrove town centre building.

People living and working, near the BT exchange building, in Hanover Street, are calling for changes after plans were revealed for the latest equipment.

They fear the accumulated emissions from equipment already at the site could be a health hazard, especially to youngsters at nearby St John's Middle School, in Watt Close.

Crown Castle UK Ltd, independent owner and operator of shared telecommunications and broadcast infrastructure, wants to put three new antennas on the roof of the building.

Jenny Ashmore, of Perry Lane, said: "These new antennas will be at the bottom of our garden. We are worried about the effect more of them will have on people's health, especially as there is the school, doctors' surgery and nursing home located within the immediate area.

"Each day youngsters sit near the pulsating aerials situated on top of the exchange building. Not enough is known about the effects these emissions have on people regarding fears of links to cancer and other health problems."

Rev Nigel Marns, the chairman of governors at St John's Middle School, is also objecting to the plans on possible unproved health grounds.

A spokesman for Crown Castle said people should not be concerned about the emissions as the company was within the guidelines set for installation, which were very strict. He added: "We listen to people's concerns regarding these issues and try and address them, including consultation."