FEBRUARY 14 could prove to be an unhappy Valentine's Day for those living in the vicinity of Radcliffe Borough Football Club.

That is when planning bosses will decide whether or not to give permission for a telecommunications pole with antennae and a microwave dish.

Local residents are concerned that not enough is known about the possible health risks associated with such masts and have signed a petition against the proposal.

Mr Andrew Stant (28) of Stainton Close, said: "I've spoken to about 70 residents in the Pilkington Road and Coronation Road areas and they are all worried. We don't want this to go ahead. "On a personal level I am concerned about the effect it might have on my seven-month-old baby, Matthew."

Mr Stant, who will be speaking against the application at next Thursday's (Feb 14) meeting, is keen to alert as many people as possible about it as only those living in a 110-metre radius of the proposed mast all need to be officially notified.

Radcliffe Infant and Radcliffe Primary Schools are also against the application and Mrs Christine Thompson, buildings health and safety officer for Bury Council, said: "We oppose the proposals because we don't know what the effects are. We will be writing expressing our concern to the company."

The application for prior approval has been submitted by the Maidenhead-based communications company, Hutchinson 3G. They want to install a 15-metre high monopole, three antennae, a microwave dish and equipment cabin at the Stainton Park ground.