FAMILIES have been left fearing for their health after the go-ahead was given to build a 15m mobile phone mast in Lowton.

Residents on Pocket Nook Lane and Moorfield Crescent are worried that dangerous micro-waves from the telecommunications pole will put them and their children at risk.

The community is also concerned that the mast will be close to Lowton High School's playground.

The application from One 2 One was given the green light by the council despite protests from local people.

They sent letters and a petition to Wigan Council outlining their fears about the proposed development, close to Higher Pocket Nook Farm.

One of the neighbours, Mildred Fry, 79, who only found out the mast had been approved when contacted by The Journal, said people on the street would be disappointed at the news.

"These masts really are dangerous. A recent study showed the rays are a health risk.

"Everyone disagreed with it entirely and everyone will be angry to hear it is going to be built. I don't know if there is anything we can do now, we thought the petition would be enough."

One 2 One's mobile phone mast was approved at a meeting of the Development Control Committee on Tuesday.

Councillors agreed that the pole met all the regulations set down by the local authority. This included being at least 100m from residential developments and 200m from educational establishments.

Mark Hale, councillor for Hope Carr, aired some concerns. He said he found Wigan Council's policy on masts illogical, as it was allowing poles to be erected in picturesque rural areas and not in urban areas.

One 2 One claimed the pole was one of the least visually intrusive, that it would be partly concealed by trees and they could not find another site in the area which was as sympathetic to the environment.