A COUNCILLOR is campaigning to "turf out" plans to erect telecommunications antennae on two stands at Burnley Football Club.

Vodafone Ltd are asking for planning permission to put antennae and equipment cabins on the James Hargreaves and Jimmy McIlroy stands at Turf Moor.

Councillor Andrew Holder, who successfully campaigned with residents to stop One-2-One erecting a 50-foot high mast above Towneley earlier this year, said: "I am now looking forward to the battle with Vodafone.

"As far as I am concerned these masts should not be put up in residential areas.

"There is plenty of high ground around Burnley without them going up near people's homes."

Coun Holder, an independent socialist, added: "There is no proof that they are safe. If after 30 years it is found that they could cause brain tumour or leukaemia, it is no use then saying sorry.

"You can always replace a mast but you cannot replace a life."

Early this year Coun Holder joined local residents in Brunshaw who mobilised against a mobile phone mast being erected at a "beauty spot" near their homes.

One-2-One wanted to site a 50-foot high telecommunications pole on land above Towneley, close to Johnson's garden nurseries in Higher Brunshaw, Burnley.

Residents, who were prepared to go as far as planning sit-ins to prevent the scheme going ahead, raised a petition and held a protest march to the town hall.