RESIDENTS of Gardeners Hill Road in Frensham have reacted angrily to the prospect of a mobile phone mast being placed near to their homes.

Preliminary studies have been conducted into locating a 25-metre mast in woodland just off Gardeners Hill Road for communications company Orange.

Not convinced by government studies into the effects of such masts, resident Simon Joslin said he will be opposing the application.

"This is a lovely area of Farnham, and we do not need an ugly mast like that here. If my job ever changes location, we might find it difficult to sell the house."

Mr Joslin said that he was also concerned that the health issue surrounding masts would affect Edgeborough School, which is also nearby.

He said that a previous study done recently by Comm Pro into the location said that it was a fully wooded area.

Since this was undertaken, the woods have been reduced, meaning the mast would be in full view of residents and within 300 yards of their homes.

Another resident, Mr Brian Watts, said he has written to all his neighbours to join in opposition to the mast proposal.

He said they would be fighting against it both on health and environmental grounds, particularly as the site is near land of outstanding natural beauty.

Orange was unavailable for comment, though it was, according to Mr Joslin, re-examining the location of its mast.