A FOURTH phone mast could soon be installed on top of a church tower in Stubbington, sparking fears about possible health risks.

Neighbouring residents have raised concerns about the possible impact on their health caused by the increase in electromagnetic fields.

Mobile phone operator O2 wants to build the mast on top of Holy Rood Church in Gosport Road, where there are already three masts.

Resident Pam Snelling, 43, from Stubbington, said: "We don't know the dangers that these masts pose to us, let alone having so many of them in one place.

I am just glad that I live on the other side of the village."

A pensioner who lives next door to the church in Queen's Crescent, who declined to be named, added: "Some people did complain about the mast when the application went up on the lamp-posts but it doesn't seem to matter what we say, they just go ahead with it."

Fareham Borough Council has received a handful of letters of objection about the proposal being an eyesore and a risk to health.

Councillor Dorrine Burton-Jenkins, ward councillor for Stubbington, said: "There is a lot of concern about this application.

"I wouldn't want to live near a mast or have a school near one. We understand residents' fears but there is little we can do because so little is known about the actual effects of these masts."

A spokesman for O2 said the emission level from phone masts had decreased over the past few years despite nearly 60 million mobiles being in operation in the country.

She said: "The placing of masts is consumer-led. These masts are expensive and will only be placed in areas where there is a demand. It is a low-powered transmitter that is being installed well above the ground."

Fareham planners have been recommended to give the go-ahead to the new mast when they meet tomorrow.