People in West Felton have called for the mast, in fields near The Avenue, to be taken away from homes and schools as they are frightened of possible risks from radiation.

But campaigners say the new site proposed at Aston Moor could be an even bigger blot on the landscape, as the mast may reach 20 metres instead of its current height of 15 metres.

They say it will still be an eyesore for residents in The Avenue and will also be intrusive for those living in Queens Head and Lady Hill, who have now also joined the fight.

Carol Corbett, of the West Felton Mast Protest Group, said: “Orange have come up with this new site at Aston Moor. They did a flag wave exercise for people to see if it was still intrusive.”

Worried

She said people at the viewing had realised the mast would still be visible at the new location.

“Residents at Queen’s Head are not happy about it. They don’t want it by them and will be contacting the council with their objections. Some have got families with young children and they are worried about health issues.”

The mast near The Avenue has not yet gone live as the council believes it has not been built in accordance with development rights. An appeal is due to be held on January 23.

Mrs Corbett said the protest group had proposed alternative sites to Orange, including Sandford, but had had no reply.

Sue Hammett, community liaison officer for Orange, said: “We have had positive feedback. The new site is 500 metres away from the nearest house and there is good screening from trees.

“The flag wave and the photos show it is going to be better than the site we have already got.

“If this site does not go forward we will be back to square one and the appeal will have to be made.”

She said Orange had tested the alternative sites put forward by the group but they did not provide adequate coverage.

She added: “We are not going away. We need a mast there and are working hard to come up with a solution.”

By Suzanne Roberts Popular stories: