A PHONE mast that was put up in the middle of an East Hampshire village last week without permission has now been removed.

Residents were furious when the structure was put up without consent in the Beavers Industrial estate in Liphook, provoking widespread condemnation from throughout the area and neighbouring counties.

But on Monday Mobile phone company MM02 finally dismantled it after East Hampshire District Council threatened legal action against them.

The mast, which was erected in September, was taken down along with two others in the district at Chalton and Shalden, while the company responsible, MMO2 met EHDC yesterday (Thursday) to discuss the matter further.

EHDC has taken a tough stance against the spread of the illegal phone masts in the district and has asked residents to contact them immediately if one ÒappearsÓ in their area.

According to a spokesman, any company looking to put up a phone mast needs to apply for planning permission and would be threatened by possible legal action should they ignore the guidelines.

The object put up in Liphook was to be part of the Terrestrial Trunked Radio System (TETRA) put forward by the police to provide them with a state-of-the-art digital communications system.

But they have met considerable resistance throughout the area, and campaigners came out in force to oppose the plans at a recent meeting in Rogate, West Sussex.

That meeting was attended by residents who live on the nearby SainsburyÕs estate, who were concerned about the possible health risks the transmissions would cause

One resident, Lian Barrow, said she was worried about the safety of her children and claimed they could be affected by potential radiation emissions.

She thought it was ÒshockingÓ that the mast was put up on behalf of the police and did not want the structure near her home.

In the wake of the recent developments another meeting has been planned in Liss.

It is understood that the district council wants to hear both sides of the contentious issue at the meeting, which will take place at the Triangle Community Centre on Sunday, October 26 at 6-pm.

EHDC Chairman Elizabeth Cartwright will be chairing the evening while spokesmen from both the police and the phone company will put their cases forward.

Despite having to take down the mast, MM02 spokesperson Peter Sitch claimed the TETRA system was a vital piece of new technology and the police desperately needed to replace outdated technology.

He said: ÒIt is vital for its success in protecting life and property in Hampshire that a full system of antennas is implemented as soon as possible.Ó

The police hope to have the new system fully up and running by 2005 but may have to revise the estimate after the latest round of opposition.

Already behind schedule, they have had to fend off accusations that the masts have been rushed through to meet deadlines.

They have so far been unable to comment on the recent flurry of construction and claimed the responsibility rests with MM02.

Since the removal of the mast in Liphook, they have submitted ÒproperÓ applications for two permanent masts in the area at Old Barn Farm in Hewshott Lane and Gentles Lane, near Headley.

EHDC has asked anyone who sees another mast go up in their area to contact them on 01730 266551.