BBC News website 19th June 05

Objectors to a proposed mobile phone mast have joined conservationists to investigate whether the plans threaten a colony of bats.

More than 150 residents of Hoghton, Lancashire , plan to oppose the 15m (49ft) mast proposed by T-Mobile.

Residents say a meeting with the firm did not allay their concerns about siting the mast on farmland near a school and homes.

A firm said health concerns over mobile phone masts were groundless.

'Health risks'

Resident Mr Chris Nelson said locals would be contacting the Bat Conservation Trust to investigate what effect the mast could have on the bats.

Mr Nelson said residents had concerns about the health risks from the masts.

"The government recommends that local authorities do not take health effects into consideration, however, many local authorities are rejecting these recommendations including Kent County Council, which refuses to endorse consents on any council land, due to their concerns over health," he added.

T-Mobile met residents in a local school before lodging a planning application with South Ribble Council.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/4106992.stm