MORE than 200 villagers are up in arms over plans to site a telecommunications mast in a beauty spot.

Irene Auprey, of Shenstone, is spearheading the campaign against erecting a 12.5m BT Cellnet mast on Shenstone House Farm, Shenstone, which she fears could seriously harm people's health.

Mrs Auprey, who has surfed the internet to research into side-effects, said there was speculation ionic radiation from the mast could be linked to cancer and leukaemia, depression and anxiety.

And she said many villagers were worried about the siting of the mast off the Worcester Road within a mile radius of Stone First School, Shenstone House Residential Home and about 240 homes.

Among those most concerned were parents of children at the school, 40 of whom had so far signed her petition, she added.

She said: "People here are very concerned about this proposal, they're worried to death. What effect will this have on our children?"

Mrs Auprey said she believed applications to erect masts were being rushed through by telecommunication companies in order to beat new Government legislation currently being introduced which increases the level of public consultation required for masts under 15 metres tall.

In addition, guidelines will also have to be consulted when applications are made for masts near schools or colleges.

She added she was also concerned that once permission had been given to site a mast, Wyre Forest District Council would be powerless to stop a larger mast being installed at a later date.

And she said the mast would also spoil the attractiveness of the area.

District council planning committee member Fran Oborski said: "Unfortunately, in my view, the Government review did not go far enough.

"As far as I'm concerned, they should never site them within 500 metres of a dwelling."

The application is due to be considered by the district council planning committee next Tuesday.