CAMPAIGNERS fighting proposals to build a mobile phone mast near their homes have delivered a petition to planners who will make a decision on the controversial scheme.

Caroline Derry, of Davies Drive, Uttoxeter, has fought a race against time to challenge an application to install a 14.3-metre (47 feet) high antenna just yards away from her house.

It is the third time Mrs Derry has had to fight such proposals in her street.

The 23 signatures she has collected this time will be added to the 30 who protested against a similar proposal just three months ago.

T-Mobile had previously been granted permission for a mast near the site in March, 2001, which has now expired.

Vodafone wants permission to site its equipment – a type of radio antenna and a galvanised cabinet – on a verge at Shell Service Station, in New Road.

East Staffordshire Borough Council is expected to rule on the submission on Tuesday, May 6.

But campaigners are concerned that because the pole is within a 15-metre height restriction the plan could be passed under delegated powers.

Mrs Derry, who runs a washing machine repair business on the Bridge Street industrial estate with her husband Bob, has written to both Vodafone and Shell raising her objections.

And she has won support from people living in The Meadows, Uttoxeter, who did not receive notice of the application.

The 54-year-old said: "We all know we've got to have mobile phone masts – and it seems Vodafone are really trying to get this through – but this is simply not the right location.

"People from The Meadows will be affected as much as anyone from a phone mast but they have not been consulted at all.

"It has been a rush to make sure our voices are heard but we have done all we can possibly do and now we hope the councillors will vote in our favour."

Borough and town councillor Howard Grigg, pictured below, is urging planning officials to discuss theVodafone proposal at a full meeting.

He said: "I believe the application should receive further debate and careful consideration. These sort of developments are all well and good but should be sited both sympathetically to the surrounding area and, more importantly, be safe - not just structurally but to the well-being of residents."

Just four months ago Vodafone had earmarked a device on land adjacent to the New Road roundabout, but pulled the scheme at the last minute because there was no suitable power solution.

T-Mobile had previously been granted permission for a mast near the site in March, 2001, which has now expired.

Councillor Grigg said: "Mobile phone masts have been a hive of speculation over many years and in this case I believe where the proposed site is, better judgement should be made.

"The site runs adjacent to the busy A50 and I don't see why the mast can't be placed on the verge of this busy thoroughfare instead of next to a residential area."

Vodafone spokesman Dr Rob Matthews said the proposal complied with regulations governing the installation of mobile phone masts.

He said: "The proposed station is required to improve 3G coverage to our customers in the area but we recognise some communities are concerned regarding the deployment of radio base stations.

"All of our base stations are designed, built and operated in accordance with stringent international guidelines laid down by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection.

"Typical public exposures from our base stations will be many hundreds, if not thousands, of times below these guidelines."