RESIDENTS in Penwortham attended a special meeting on Wednesday.

They wanted to voice concerns over a proposed mobile phone mast which, they claim, will blot the landscape.

More than 30 letters of objection were sent to Tony Pimblett -- chairman of Higher Penwortham Area Committee -- who called the meeting to discuss the siting of a telecommunications mast by mobile phone giants One-2-One on land at Crookings Farm, Crookings Lane.

The meeting was held at Penwortham Leisure Centre in which a large number of residents spoke out over possible radiation emissions, loss of house value, erosion of the nearby green belt and how the mast would be "visually obtrusive" and detrimental to the area.

They are also baffled as to why One-2-One want to build a mast in Penwortham -- the firm already boast a 97 per cent coverage across the UK. Coun Tony Pimblett said: "Quite a number of local residents have written to the committee with objections about the mast, so it was necessary to hold a special meeting to discuss these issues in full.

"There are a few residents who have concerns over possible radiation, but the majority just think it will be an utter eyesore."

Gary Payne, from South Ribble Borough Council's planning department, said: "Basically One-to-One do not need planning permission to build this mast.

"They have to notify the local authority to put the mast up, then we seek what is know as a 'determination application'.

"Residents' concerns are taken into consideration but to decide the application, the committee must look at the sighting and appearance of the mast.

"The council has received several letters complaining about the mast and a signed petition."

Councillor Pimblett added: "This isn't the first time a mobile phone company has wanted to build a mast in Penwortham.

"Orange wanted to build a mast on Priory High School's, grounds which was thrown out after pressure from parents."