PLANS expected to be submitted to erect a 73ft telephone mast on the edge of a conversation area are outrageous , says a residents protest group. The residents in Palace Gardens, Royston, and Kneesworth Street, have begun a protest campaign in a bid to

PLANS expected to be submitted to erect a 73ft telephone mast on the edge of a conversation area are "outrageous", says a residents' protest group.

The residents in Palace Gardens, Royston, and Kneesworth Street, have begun a protest campaign in a bid to prevent the appearance of the mast.

It is understood the mobile telephone company O2 is to submit a plan to erect the mast on land at the Royston telephone exchange.

Waldon Telecom - which is acting as agents for the National Grid Wireless - sent a letter to just THREE residents in Palace Gardens about the proposal.

It said the letter was sent because National Grid Wireless was "committed to keeping local communities informed".

In spite of just three letters being sent out the immediate effect was to galvanise residents in Palace Gardens and Kneesworth Street.

The letter said: "The location has been selected by O2 because it provides it with the required level of coverage it is seeking to provide and is located at a site where there is an established telecoms use."

Dr Peter North, of Palace Gardens, said residents believed it was "outrageous" that O2 was seeking to use the site for its mast.

"The proposed site for this new mast is both inappropriate and irresponsible," he said.

He said the mast would be "an unsightly eyesore".

"For many homes the mast would be just a few feet from the end of their gardens," he said.

Dr North pointed out, too, that the mast would be erected on the edge of the Royston conservation area and would "tower above listed buildings".

In a document on the conservation area, North Herts District Council says the site of the telephone exchange is an area "where redevelopment would improve its setting".

Dr North is concerned, too, about the mast being a health hazard.

"Studies have not been done on the long-term safety of mobile phone base stations and until they area proven safe, we must not risk the health of our children," he said.

He said there are already 14 telephone masts in Royston, three of which are owned by O2.

"The O2 website states that it is its policy to use or share existing masts, and its proposal clearly demonstrates that it is just paying lip-service to this policy," he said.

The residents have already contacted councillors about the proposals and are hoping to meet Royston's MP Oliver Heald tomorrow evening (Friday).