A MEETING to discuss one of Winchester's most contentious issues will be held tomorrow.

The subject will be mobile phone masts with the conference focusing on masts in and around the Winchester area.

Up to 100 people are expected to attend the event, which is being co-hosted by Hampshire County Council and local Tory councillor George Holingbery.

Organisers say the aim of the conference at the Intech Centre on Morn Hill is to get to the bottom of the facts surrounding mobile phone masts and specifically any dangers that radiation from the transmitters may pose.

In particular, a discussion about the siting of masts will be looked at, with many local residents in Winchester and the surrounding districts angry at some recent proposals.

Several experts are also expected to speak at the event, including Dr Michael Clark from the National Radiological Protection Board, Paul Dawkins, an independent telecommunications consultant, and Jeffrey Clifton-Brown MP, a shadow minister for local government and the regions.

Karen Barratt, leader of the Byron Avenue Protest Group fighting proposals for a mast near Western Primary School in Winchester, will be attending the debate.

Speaking ahead of the event, Councillor Holingbery said: "Anyone will be able to join the delegates to hear the conference sessions and the arguments put forward by experts.

"There will also be opportunities to discuss issues with other like-minded people and attend the fringe meetings.

"For anyone who hasn't got the time to attend the full conference, there will be an exhibition and stands in the main hall from interested parties such as the mobile phone manufacturers and this will be open to the public."

Hampshire County Council leader Ken Thornber said: "We welcome every opportunity for these issues to be aired in public in the interests of furthering the debate.

"The council will continue to take a precautionary approach when considering new applications for mobile phone masts as there continues to be a lack of conclusive scientific evidence proving that the risk to health can be ruled out."

The event takes place between 6 and 9pm.