by Jenni Horn

A bitter neighbourhood row has erupted over plans to put up a mobile phone mast.

Network giant Vodafone has applied to install the 38ft pole in Snodhurst Avenue, Walderslade, sparking an angry reaction from residents.

Family-run business Snodhurst Car Sales has agreed to allow Vodafone to position the mast on its land.

This has led campaigners opposing the application to call on people to boycott the garage - and manager John Primett has received anonymous abusive phone calls.

He said: "We spoke to a lot of our neighbours who weren't in objection to the mast and we did do our research. The NHS says there are no health risks and the radiation from a mast is the same level as a TV aerial.

I have two children and they spend quite a bit of time here. If I thought for one minute it was dangerous I would not even consider having the mast."

Mum of three Helen Densley, 43, of Snodhurst Avenue, has been leading the campaign against the mast.

She said: "The health risks have never been proven but if there is the slightest risk masts could be dangerous they shouldn't be put in residential areas. If the mast went up it would make me want to move, but we are worried it will affect our house price."

Becky Davis, 34, has also been part of the campaign, which has gathered more than 200 signatures on a petition.

She said: "A lot of people in the area are very angry and upset. The owners of the garage are not taking into consideration people who live near them. If the mast goes up they will be making money, while we are losing it on our properties."

Mr Primett insists they are not renting their land to Vodafone for financial gain and added: "The phone company wanted to put a mast in the area and we felt rather than going on the local playing fields it would be better on our land. What we could be paid in rent is not considerable. In fact, we would probably be better off putting a car to sell in the space."