A HEADTEACHER and her governors are seeking to get a mobile mast removed from a Basingstoke school, partly because of health fears.

Judith Edge, head of The Vyne Community School, told The Gazette a decision had been reached to enter into negotiations with Mercury Personal Communications to take down the telecommunications equipment it erected at the school in 1996.

Mrs Edge said the school governors had come to the decision now because the lease on the equipment - a cabin and six antennas - is due to expire this year.

She explained that the possible health implications, as well as the appearance of the equipment, were the reasons why the school wanted the equipment sited elsewhere.

The headteacher added: "Although there is monitoring of emissions from mobile phone masts across the country, I would prefer it not to be there. The health risks are unknown. It is also unsightly.

"I put the matter to the school governors, and they agreed with me. We would prefer it to be sited away from the school, and will soon enter into negotiations to have it removed."

Planning permission was given to Mercury to install its equipment at The Vyne school in October 1996, before Mrs Edge arrived.

She said: "I always would have preferred it not be there. We have investigated the possibility of removing it, but it is incredibly legally binding. Only now, with the lease about to expire, can we look at having it removed..