THE boss of a company which lost more than £300,000 last year today said he was considering installing a controversial mobile 'phone mast in a bid to save jobs.

Managing director of Blackburn's Cavalier Carpets, James Sprint, said he had already rejected one offer from Vodaphone to install a mast in the company's car park off Markham Road.

But he said he would consider another deal as long as the aerial was deemed safe and did not represent a "blot on the landscape."

Mr Sprint, who has received two letters from angry neighbours concerned over health scares that have linked the masts to cancer, said: "Our position at the moment is that we have had an offer from Vodaphone and rejected it, but we will consider a new deal.

"This is a loss-making company that has made five people redundant this year and laid 50 more workers off for six weeks in February. If money for a mobile 'phone mast can safeguard just one job we will consider it, as long as it is safe and does not damage the local environment."

But local residents are furious that Cavalier Carpets are even considering renting part of the car park to Vodaphone and have already held a public meeting about the plans.

During the meeting, at St Peter's Social Club last week, many residents raised concerns about the erection of a mast, which some scientists believe can cause cancer. But Mr Sprint said: "These people are ignoring the fact that I have said only a safe aerial will be considered.

"My first responsibility is to save jobs and income from Vodaphone siting a safe aerial may provide us with a stream of revenue that will prevent a number of people being made redundant."

It is understood that Cavalier Carpets have rejected the offer from Vodaphone because they want the telecommunications company to commit to a 15-year lease and pay a six figure sum up front.