Health-conscious residents have vowed to oppose more antennae and satellite dishes on a telecommunications tower in their town.

Karen Sheen, 34, of Central Road, Stanford-le-Hope, said she and her neighbours are fed up with the continual growth of aerials placed on top of the two-storey telephone exchange building in Featherstone Road.

She said: "We received a letter from the council saying BT, who owns the tower, wanted planning permission for three more antennae, 'climbable bi-poles', three dish antennae and some radio equipment.

"There's one main tower up already with about 12 antennae on it. Where is it going to end? They've increased it over the years and thanks to the law, they never needed to ask anyone.

"But now, because of new laws, they have to get planning permission if they want any more."

Karen started up a petition after receiving a letter from Thurrock Council and has so far collected around 60 signatures from neighbours and shopkeepers in Featherstone Road and Central Road.

She said: "It would make the area even uglier. You can see them from miles around. They are destroying Stanford-le-Hope."

Mother of three Karen said many folks had expressed fears over recent studies into microwaves from mobile phones and the possible links to brain damage.

"One pregnant woman said her doctor told her not to use a mobile phone. No-one can prove these telecommunications towers are not a health risk," she said.

A spokesman for Thurrock council said the application has yet to be discussed, but will certainly need planning approval before any work is carried out.

"If the residents have concerns or worries they have to make them clear to the councillor in their ward who will represent them at any decision-making meeting."

Eyesore - the aerial cluster that makes residents of Stanford-le-Hope furious

Picture: DAVE HENDERSON

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