A CROWN Court judge is threatening to sue his neighbour in a row over plans to erect a 90ft telecommunications mast in ancient parkland near his home.

Judge Richard Price, backed by other affected residents, fears the microwave mast Airwave 02 wants to erect near his Isle of Wight home at Seaview, can cause brain cancer and cot deaths.

A massive campaign has been organised in the village against the application for the Tetra on land owned by local developer and businessman Norman Ball.

Speaking at a packed public meeting over the issue, Judge Richard Price, known for his no-nonsense approach, asked: "What should our attitude be towards the landowner.

"I live very close to the mast. If I get ill because of it and the value of my house goes down, I want to sue the landowner and I want the landowner to know that.

"I want him to get insurance. I don't think he will be able to get insurance and I don't think O2 will agree to indemnify him,'' said Judge Price. Island biologist Thierry March who is backing the opposition campaign said his research indicated the radiation from such masts could affect the brain, cause cancers and cot deaths.

"He said at 300 metres distance they caused tiredness and headaches and at 100 metres people suffered depression, memory loss, and dizziness with women affected more than men.''

Rod Burman, the man who founded a local electronics company, said Tetra operated on 380 to 400 megahertz and that frequency was more penetrative of human tissue than the cell phone frequency.

The mast is required by O2 to bolster its nationwide network that are used to convey signals for the emergency services. The IW Council's planning committee will decide the mast application next month.

Andrew Pegram, senior IW Council planning officer with responsibility for mast applications said there was no evidence that the masts were associated with health risks, and therefore concerns along those lines could not form part of a reason for refusal.

"We have guidance from the government based on studies which have taken place which tell us if something complies with guidelines.

"We as a planning authority should not consider the health effects further. I have to follow government guidance," said Mr Pegram.