by Adam Nichols

Political Reporter

PROTESTS against plans for an eight-metre mobile phone mast in the centre of York are being organised into a residents' campaign.

The Fishergate Management Company Ltd has written to City of York Council opposing the scheme to place the mast, complete with six antennae and four radio dishes, on the roof of the Mecca Bingo Hall.

It would overlook 87 homes in St Andrews estate, which includes Fewster Way and Browney Croft and the estate is represented by the company.

Company chairman Dick West said residents were worried about health implications.

He said: "I can't say that there is definitely a health concern because there is no proven evidence, but there is concern among the scientific community that there may be a risk.

"We don't want to scare people, we don't want them jumping to conclusions but there is certainly a question mark about this."

The proposal, made by telecommunications company Orange, has already caused opposition from parents of pupils at nearby Fishergate School.

Head teacher Angela Johnson said she would be consulting school governors and had received information from City of York Council's health and safety department.

Mr West, who is also a governor of Joseph Rowntree School which has a mast in its grounds, said: "There are quite a number of parents concerned about it at Joseph Rowntree, and we have been seriously considering if we want to maintain it."

Along with health concerns, the management company fear the mast will cause TV and radio interference and a drop in property values.

A letter has been sent to City of York Council voicing the company's concerns, and residents are being urged to contact the authority individually.

A City of York Council spokesman said: "There is a consultation period until June 13 and we are keen to hear from anybody who is concerned with this application."

A spokesman for Orange said there was no conclusive evidence linking transmitter masts and long-term health risks.

A Mecca Bingo spokesman said the company would decide if the mast will go on the building after the council's decision on Orange's application.