MORE than a dozen protesters turned out at Horrabridge Parish Council last week to object to the siting of a mobile telephone mast in the area.

One-2-one has applied for permission to build a 15-metre monopole mast with antennae, equipment cabins and ancillary apparatus at the site of the West Wheal Robert mine, now owned by farmer Albert White.

Next door neighbour Ian Robinson is co-ordinating the opposition. He has distributed posters picturing a giant mast and is urging people to write to Dartmoor National Park planners. There is also a petition in the local bakery.

Objectors are most concerned about the possible health implications of the mast and although Mr Robinson said that was not currently considered grounds for refusal, there had been a reluctance in some cases to site masts near schools.

'We must all, therefore, have very real concerns about the safety issues, especially as it has not been proved conclusively either way,' he said.

Mr Robinson was also concerned about the effect of the mast on property values and said it would be an 'eyesore', totally out of keeping with the surrounding national park setting.

'According to the One-2-one website, practically all of Horrabridge parish enjoys "high quality outdoor coverage", so why should one of the country approaches to our village be blighted by this monstrosity?' he said.

Mr Robinson was able to get the support of Dr Tom Greeves, chairman of the Dartmoor Society over the matter of the site chosen for the erection.

In a letter to the planning authority, Dr Greeves said an important archaeological site would be destroyed if building went ahead.

He described remains on the site as rare in Dartmoor and unique in the Walkham Valley and said they should not be needlessly destroyed.

'It is very important for future generations that tangible remains of the mining industry are retained wherever possible as they are markers and reference points for the study of history,' said Dr Greeves.

Councillors shared the concerns of the 18 objectors present and objected to the mast on the grounds of its visual impact, its impact on a site of archaeological importance and possible effects on health and safety.

Parish clerk Sue Jewell said councillors also questioned the need for a mast in an area already apparently enjoying high quality coverage.

One-2-one spokeswoman Gill Kerr said although there was good outdoor coverage in the area, there was a need to improve coverage for people wishing to use phones indoors and to provide sufficient capacity as phone usage increased.

She said they recognised the concerns people had for the health and safety issues: 'We operate within national and international guidelines recognised by the World Health Organisation. We are satisfied that our base stations are safe and do not present any health risks to the public.'

Ms Kerr added that the site was well-shielded visually and other issues about historic significance would be addressed by the planning process.

The matter will go before the Dartmoor National Park Authority on November 3.