A NEW protest group is threatening legal action if Worcester City Council allows a telephone mast at Hallow.

Worcester Opposing Radio Masts (WORM) was formed last week to campaign against an extension of the city's mobile telephone network - and has sounded out lawyers.

Spokesman Mark Hubbard has warned city planners that people will not tolerate a proposed Orange mast at the Hallow Road lay-by.

He claimed the equipment would slash the value of homes and could harm the health of residents.

The average age of people living within 100 yards of the site is 63, claims WORM. Householders living within 200 yards say they will see a total of £800,000 wiped off the value of their homes.

"Most residents have indicated that they will be seeking some sort of compensation for this installation, should it be approved," said Mr Hubbard.

"There are two grounds for compensation - firstly, the loss of value to property and secondly, the anguish the installation will cause.

"People are very angry and ready to make claims against the council or Orange - from whoever we can get compensation."

The council's planning sub-committee is due to decide the issue on Thursday, August 31.

More than 50 letters of objection have been sent to the council and at least three dozen residents have pledged to attend the meeting.

A spokesman for Orange had not heard of anyone suing on the grounds of stress or decreased house prices caused by mobile phone masts.

"I suppose a claim would have to be made against the local authority, for allowing the mast," he said. "We're obliged by the Telecommunications Act to provide the best possible coverage for customers."

Worcester City Council's head of development planning, Peter Yates, said he intended to recommend approval in the light of Government guidelines.