CONCERNED parents are making a stand against plans to replace a village club flag pole with a mobile phone mast.

The Astley Against Mobile Mast (AAMM) group want to ensure people are aware of Vodaphone's intention to site a 12 metres high mast at Astley Labour Club at the centre of Blackmoor village.

Co-ordinator Debbie Jones, has an infant son who suffer from Down Syndrome and is understandably worried about any possible health risk.

Debbie explained: "Our main concern is the possible relationship between the emissions and the adverse physical, and pyschological effects upon health that some research has claimed.

"We don't want people exposed to any possible risks that have been associated with mobile telephone masts, especially those who healthwise are already vulnerable, although it has been argued that there is no substantiated evidence to prove that the emissions are a risk to health. Yet who knows what will happen a good few years ahead?

"Children diagnosed with Down Syndrome under the age of 10 years are 18 times more likely of getting leukaemia. I'm not suggesting living near to this mast will cause our sons to get leukaemia, but nor do I want to live in fear that this could possibly make them even more susceptible; as yet I have not found any evidence to support my fears, but none the less it is still a fear.

"The notice was placed outside of the club two days prior to school holidays and many parents won't have seen it."

AAMM are urging people who share their worries to write, e-mail or telephone their objections to Vodaphone's agents (quoting Ref No c5 45141), David Wareing Turner and partners, Templar House, 1 Sandbeck Court, Sandbeck Way, Wetherby, LS22 7BA; e-mail: david.wareing@turnerandpartners.co.uk or phone 01937 543910.