ANGRY residents claim Flintshire planners have ridden roughshod over public opinion in allowing a mobile phone mast on their doorsteps. County council planning officers approved the controversial application from communications giant Orange. The 10-metre mast will be erected on a grass verge alongside the A494 trunk road in Gwernymynydd near the Maeshafn Road junction. Residents are fuming, retired joiner Brian Eaton, of Ruthin Road, Gwernymynydd, who lives within yards of the mast, has been distributing leaflets in the village calling on residents to protest. 'There is great uncertainty about the health risks of mobile phone masts,' said Brian. 'To site one right next to a pavement used by children walking to school is madness. 'The mast will also be visually obtrusive in a village bordering an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 'There must also be a risk with putting up a 30-foot high mast on a road junction.' 'I put out a leaflet and several people have contacted me,' he said. 'There's a lot of unease about this development.' Brian was due to attend a meeting of Gwernymynydd Community Council last night, when the issue was expected to be discussed. County councillor Nancy Matthews said: 'I understand people's worries about the health risks. 'I'm concerned about putting a 30-foot structure alongside a pavement near a road junction. 'I wouldn't consider putting a lamp post let alone a mast in this position.' A spokesman for Orange said no evidence had been produced to prove mobile phone masts posed a danger to health. 'We put them up to improve reception,' he said. 'They benefit users within 200-300 yards of the mast, and are usually shared with other phone companies. 'It's not unusual to erect them near pavements. 'We do our best to ensure they blend in with the background. ' A spokesman for the council confirmed the application had not gone to the planning committee as it had been dealt with by a planning officer under delegated powers. Call for a free consultation Enhance, Unit 8 Daniel Owen Precinct, Mold For lines & wrinkles or putting volume to lips. Marion a qualified nurse uses the latest injectable gel and B-Tox. To give instant results. Look and feel 10 years younger. Amazing results. | 
