PLANS to install a mobile phone mast just yards from a primary school has seen hundreds of people join a campaign to prevent it.

Vodafone/O2 are preparing to site the mast at the Baxenden Conservative Club, around 20 yards from Baxenden CofE Primary.

Councillors Terry Hurn and Kath Pratt had recently succeeded in preventing mast applications for Southwood Drive and Oakhill Park, off Manchester Road, but this mast can be erected without planning permission, due to permission from the club.

The councillors are supporting the school’s campaign which has seen letters sent home with each child asking parents to write letters of objection to O2/Vodafone and their agents, plus the board at Baxenden Conservative Club.

The club is not associated with Hyndburn’s Conservative councillors.

As a result 3,000 objection letters have been sent to the mobile phone giant and the club.

Coun Terry Hurn said: “We had been successful in keeping masts from two nearby sites.

“And then this happens in the worst possible place for a mast – directly opposite the school.

“The letters are just urging the companies and the club’s board to reconsider. Parents feel very strongly.”

Coun Kath Pratt said: “ I find it difficult to see how permission can be given by the club.

“They will get a good rent, but so close to a school I feel it is blood money.

“I just hope all concerned will see sense. It is a terrible idea.”

Headteacher of the school, Christina Regan said: “Our chair of governors approved the decision to send out letters to parents as we knew they would be concerned. There is two sides to every story, and people want to use their phones, but there are better places.”

No-one from Vodafone/O2 was available for comment.