RESIDENTS living near the Victoria Ground, in Bromsgrove, fear for their safety if an application to erect a 60-foot tall tower carrying mobile phone dishes goes ahead.

Garth Hughes, from Victoria Road, said letters pointing out the possible dangers from radiation, the effect on house prices and the unacceptable blot on the landscape from the development had been sent to Bromsgrove District.

A petition urging town planners to throw out the proposal is also circulating in the area, he added.

He said the scheme involves replacing one of the present floodlight pylons near the main entrance with a 20-metre tall tower carrying three dual pole antenna and transmission dishes together with floodlights. A cabin and ancillary development is also planned.

Mr Hughes said he received many calls from worried residents after he dropped leaflets outlining the plan through letterboxes in the area.

Many are concerned about their safety from the unknown dangers of such towers and the health of children at nearby Parkside Middle School.

A protest letter has been sent to council boss Bob Lewis and the three district councillors representing the Sidemoor ward in which the football ground is situated.

Campaigners are also hoping to enlist the support of town MP Julie Kirkbride.

Cllr Jean Hancox (Con, Sidemoor) said yesterday she had not received a letter and while she had sympathy with residents she could not comment until she knew all the details.

Today is the last day for objections to the proposal.