No Mast Here

Telecommunications company GVA Grimley wish to site a 15-metre mast adjacent to both schools' playing fields, prompting both schools to send the letters amid health and safety concerns.

Chairman of East Preston Infant School's governors Dick Booker said: "I am amazed at the insensitivity of these mobile phone companies."

A playgroup, youth centre and playgroup are also situated close to the proposed site.

Anyone wishing to object to the planning application must send their letters to Arun District Council by June 13.

So far, research has shown no clear evidence that mobile phone mast radiation poses a health risk to children.

And although objections on health and safety grounds carry no weight with the planning authority, Mr Booker, who is also a member of East Preston Parish Council, is adamant the mast must not be sited near a school.

He added: "As far as I am concerned, the jury is still out on this particular issue and we at the infants school are not prepared to put our children at risk."

Parents, teachers and school governors are equally concerned and have come out unanimously against the mast.

Headteacher of the infant school Brenda Berridge said: "We have been told we cannot object on the grounds of safety, but this just doesn't seem the right place for it."

Her views were echoed by junior school headteacher Andrew Dale, who said: "I am very concerned. Evidence has not so far suggested there are any health risks but then, it hasn't been proved that these masts are not dangerous, either.

"We are interested only in the welfare of our children."

No-one from GVA Grimley was available for comment at the time of going to press.