PLANS to erect a 'dangerous' mobile phone mast yards from family homes are being opposed by residents fearful for their health.

Anger met the news that mobile phone giant Hutchison 3G has applied to install the 15m mast at the junction of Nantwich Road and Ruskin Road, in Crewe.

Families and local businesses have said they fear the mast could put people in danger of long-term health problems if the plan gets the green light.

Ken Lewis, of KEO Mortgages, Nantwich Road, said: 'I'm worried there will be some health risks for people who will have to live close to this mast.

'Families live in the two flats above our shop, and they have small children who are going to have to live yards away from it.'

The proposed unit would comprise a 15m mast and ground unit, with three antennas and a dish and sit 200 metres from Ruskin Sports College, and 250 metres from Westminster Street nursery.

The Stewart Report of 2000 found children were around 60% more susceptible to energy created by mobile phone masts and there may be biological after-effects of exposure to low-level radiation, but the Government claims emissions from UK masts are 'well below' international guidelines.

Mr Lewis added: 'There are mixed reports of health risks associated with these masts, and people are also worried it will affect their house prices.

'We simply don't want this mast, and call on the borough council to deny the application.'

Verity Blake, corporate affairs manager for Hutchison 3G, said evidence was available that phone masts did not pose health risks.

She said: 'Our equipment is all built to be safe by design and is fully compliant with international public emissions guidelines endorsed by the World Health Organisation.

'It is one of the most widely-researched areas of science and we want to reiterate the message from the global scientific community that there are not health risks from stations in accordance with these guidelines.'

She said people should not worry about the aesthetic impact of the mast: 'It should not be visually intrusive and will be designed in keeping with the area.'

A borough council planning officer was unavailable for comment.