VILLAGERS have collected 200 signatures in a campaign against a mobile phone mast they say will 'scar' the landscape.

Residents in the Levens Drive and Oxcliffe Road area of Heysham say that the blueprint by O2 UK Ltd to put up a 20-metre pole is unacceptable.

On hearing news of the plan, Edna Molyneux, of Levens Drive, leapt into action and says she will do everything she can to halt the 'monstrosity'.

"Only a few of the neighbours were informed about this and when I found that out, I knew I had to do something and so started a petition and it has been very successful so far.

"We already have more than 200 signatures and I'm sure that we will get more because it will become a blot on the landscape and we already have one. When that was replaced it was bigger.

"But we only have until December 7 and are looking for more support," she says.

Mrs Molyneux says it is worrying that the mast will be so close to King George's Field next to Heysham High School.

She adds: " If this goes ahead it will affect the whole area. We need to make a stand. We should adopt a precautionary approach and ban these masts until we have definite answers regarding the long-term consequences.

"Research has already shown that radiation from masts can affect young brains and possibly cause cancer," she adds.

A planning application was lodged by the mobile phone giant last week for the pole with two antennae on land near the pumping station on Oxcliffe Road.

The blueprint is due to be discussed at Lancaster City Council's next planning committee meeting.