ANGRY Chandler's Ford residents are calling for the plug to be pulled on plans for a mobile phone mast in the leafy suburb.

Vodafone want to put the mast on land at the junction of Alexandra Road and Winchester Road.

Residents have joined forces to halt the plans and say they are concerned that the mast will be close to homes, two schools and a hospital.

Time is running out for the campaign as Eastleigh Council must make a decision on the application by the end of the month.

A spokesman said the application would be decided by planning officers under so-called delegated powers and would not be debated by councillors.

Ted Wright, of Alexandra Road, who has lived in the area for more than 30 years, feared that the mast would be a blot on the landscape.

He said: "This has always been a very pleasant place to live and there is very strong feeling about this plan.

"If it goes ahead it wil look more like an entrance to an industrial estate than a residential area."

Mrs Joan Ridge, of Alexandra Road, said: "They are going to put this huge mast in a pretty little copse. It is also going to be terribly near two schools.

"I think it is awful and unnecessary. We as citizens do not have any say over this."

The campaign has also won the support of Caroline Nokes, prospective Conservative MP for the area, she said: "Local people in Hiltingbury are very concerned at this proposal and are exploring every avenue in order to ensure that an effective opposition to this application can be put forward."

A spokesman for Vodafone said: "Some people are concerned about the proximity of these masts. We follow international guidelines, which are approved by the World Health Organisation and protect the public where ever these masts are put.

"There are 55 million mobile phone users in this country and these masts have got to be built in places where people work and live."