PLANS to put a 40ft mobile phone mast outside a York church are being opposed by the surrounding community.

More than 200 residents of Ridgeway and adjoining parts of Acomb have signed a petition objecting to an application by O2 to put a mast on a grass verge outside St Aidan's Church, in Ridgeway, close to the junction with Bramham Avenue.

The petition has been handed to Westfield councillor Andrew Waller, who is supporting residents' objections.

Coun Waller said: "There is considerable local concern over the application as the proposed mast would be very intrusive for people living nearby, and would have a major impact on St Aidan's Church building. Not everyone has been convinced by the Stewart Report into the health risks surrounding mobile phone masts, and residents' opinions need to be considered."

The petition was collected in a only a few days by local residents Paul Neary, of Ridgeway, and Cheryl Greenwood, of Marston Avenue.

The proposed mast would service 3G mobile-phone users in the area, and O2 claims that alternative locations at Acomb Sports Club, Chapelfields Road, Barkston Avenue and Grange Lane would be impractical.

Telecommunications companies have a legal right to put masts under 15m high on the public highway without planning permission but are required to give councils only eight weeks to influence the site and design.

The application is due for discussion at the west area planning committee on February 19. Officers have recommended refusal on the grounds of its visual impact on the area.

Updated: 10:58 Thursday, February 12, 2004