HASLEMERE residents faced with the prospect of a 15-metre telecommunications tower being built virtually on their doorstep, are to launch a campaign claiming that the development could pose a serious health hazard.

People living near the sewage works in Critchmere Lane, which mobile phone operator Orange has chosen as a site for the town's latest mast, will lodge their complaints with Waverley Borough Council.

Bela Hartmann told The Herald that residents are concerned about the possibility of radiation affecting people's health. He says he is determined to make sure that the development does not go ahead.

Haslemere Town Council previously objected to an application for a mast on the other side of Critchmere Lane. Councillors said they would prefer the mast to be sited near the sewage works.

Now that the mobile phone company has switched the location to the opposite side of the road, councillors appear happy to see the tower built.

At a meeting of the town council's planning and highways committee last week, no objections were raised.

But Mr Hartmann said that people are still worried about the effects of a mast close to a residential properties. He has been working with neighbours to co-ordinate a campaign to object to the proposal.

He said: "We came back from holiday at the end of last month and found a letter from Waverley Borough Council telling us about the plans to erect a mast.

"I have read hundreds of reports about potential health problems that stem from living near masts like the one we are being faced with.

"A lot of scientists say that evidence is inconclusive but there are a few who say certain types of radiation have not even been looked into properly.

"It is this doubt that worries us. We don't know enough about the health implications of a mast and don't want to be treated as guinea pigs."

Letters from Waverley Borough Council, alerting people to the possibility of a mast being erected in Critchmere Lane, were sent to homes within a 100-metre radius of the proposed site.

However, Mr Hartmann said that the telecommunications tower would affect far more people than those living in this zone.

He pointed to research from the University of Durham which indicates that the people most affected by any radiation would be those living between 125 metres and 500 metres from the mast.

He said: "There are lots of people and lots of children living in this area which forms a valley. Any radiation would affect everyone living in this estate.

"We are planning to write to everyone in the area ourselves and tell them about the risks. A council cannot consider the health issues surrounding a mast but they can listen to the strength of public objection."

A spokesperson for Orange said that there is "no conclusive link" between transmitter masts and long-term public health risks.

She said: "Orange has always operated, and will continue to operate, within the stringent national standards set for radio networks by the National Radiological Protection Board.

"A typical Orange transmitter site operates at many hundreds of times below national and international guidelines, in areas where the general public would have access."

She added: "We choose sites that meet out technical needs, our customers' coverage requirements and that comply with all planning and environment regulations."