ANGRY residents of a leafy Preston suburb are fighting plans for three telephone masts which they fear could affect their health.

Planning applications submitted by Orange telecommunications include three antennae within a one-mile radius in Fulwood:

One at the junction of Sherwood Way and Sharoe Green Lane;

Another one on the corner of Black Bull Lane and King's Drive;

And one near the Shell petrol station, in Garstang Road, at the Withy Trees.

The move has prompted householders to take action.

Residents in and around Black Bull Lane are supporting a petition against the mast at the proposed site in front of Macarthur Neil opticians.

Julie Kennedy, postmistress at Cadley post office, has organised the petition and says it has not been difficult.

"We have had pages and pages of signatures," she said. "Everyone is furious because they just don't want it to be put up."

Mrs Kennedy, who lives above the post office about 100 metres from the proposed site, said it is the long-term health consequences that worry her most.

"The transmitter will be in close proximity to all our homes and a lot of children," she said. "People are unsure at the moment of the damage masts like this can do to your well-being and by the time we find out, and our worst fears are proved, it will be too late."

Another resident Vicky Blackburn, who lives in Houldsworth Road, received a letter from the mobile phone company last weekend about another proposal for a mast near the Withy Trees pub, round the corner from her house.

Now the mum-of-two is considering starting her own petition.

She said: "When I got the letter I couldn't believe it. I was furious I just screwed it up and threw it in the bin.

"When I spoke to my neighbours it was obvious they were really angry too.

"I've heard lots of scare stories about these masts and how they can affect your whole life. I have children of my own and it worries me that this could affect them too.

"People might think I'm a hypocrite for only taking action when it's on my own doorstep but I want to protect the area I live in so of course I'm going to react to something so close to my home."

Councillor Peter Horton, representive for Greyfriars ward, who is currently supporting another petition against an O2 telephone mast proposed for the 15th fairway, at Ingol Golf Club, said: "A lot of people in the area are worried about the health implications.

"If you have a young family then it's worrying and it's going to cause you concern. It is only natural that they will object."

A spokesman for Orange said: "There is no conclusive evidence to suggest these pose a threat to public health. Our exposure levels fall way below UK and international guidelines but if any members of the public want to speak to an Orange representative we have a team of community liaison officers who will talk one-on-one and answer any specific questions or they can call 0800 783 5021."

What do you think? Are telephone masts ruining your life? Write to us with your views.