ANGRY Chandler's Ford residents are stepping up their campaign to pull the plug on proposals to place another mobile phone station in their green backyard.

Two years ago, Conway Close residents lost their battle to stop telecommunications mast equipment, including a ground station, being put on meadow land behind their homes.

The Valley Park homes are already close to the National Grid pylon, which residents had hoped would eventually be replaced with underground cabling.

As well as a ground-based radio equipment compound, BT Cellnet is proposing to put antenna dishes on the pylons.

But protesters claim that this latest proposal will put Conway Close residents in an environment which will be constantly buzzing with microwaves.

They have signed a protest petition which has been presented to Eastleigh Borough Council.

Mike and Wendy Pierce, who are spearheading the campaign, say research has not been completed into the health risks of telephone and radio masts.

Mike said: "There is still a big question mark. Even the mobile phone companies are considering issuing warnings on their phones about the risk of radiation."

A Borough Council spokesman said: "The borough council has received a prior notification from BT Cellnet for the installation of ground base equipment.

"The antenna on the pylon is not classed as development. But BT is required to consult about the equipment box.

"The borough council has 28 days to reply about the box and could object on planning grounds. As the application is controversial, the council's planning staff have consulted with the chairman of the Eastleigh local area committee with a view to submitting any comments within the 28-day period."

At a recent borough council meeting Councillor Marilyn Birks called for the authority to draw up a policy for mobile phone mast applications.