RESIDENTS living near the telephone exchange in Devizes have expressed concern at the prospect of more mobile phone antennae being installed.

Vodafone wants to put mobile phone equipment on the roof of the exchange in Castle Lane.

Last year mobile phone operator 3 installed a number on the roof but because of the height of the equipment, 3 did not need planning permission. Now Kennet District Council is looking into whether the latest applicant, Vodafone, needs planning permission.

Robin Taylor who lives in The Gatehouse at Devizes Castle, just 50 feet from the exchange, is concerned about health risks.

Mr Taylor, 67, who is in remission from cancer, said: "Central Government says that the issue of health is not allowed to be taken into consideration and as far as it is aware there are no health risks from mobile phone masts.

"It's very frustrating and I'm very concerned about the effect this equipment might have on my health."

George Renvoize who lives in Castle Grounds, is also concerned.

He said: "I am concerned about what the risks are to health because nothing has been proven. This is the second mobile phone operator which wants to put up equipment on the telephone exchange and the more equipment that is put up there the bigger the risk."

Vodafone said it wants the equipment to provide more coverage for second and third generation mobile phone services.

At a meeting of Devizes Town Council's planning committee on Tuesday Coun Ray Taylor called for the council to object to the application.

He said: "There is still a perceived fear of masts and there is no guarantee that anyone won't be harmed by them.

"The other concern is the worsening appearance of the exchange, which is one of the ugliest buildings in Devizes. The new equipment will add to that."

Coun Noel Woolrych said he welcomed the proposal by Vodafone as it would improve mobile phone coverage.

Coun Taylor's proposal to object to the application was narrowly defeated by five to four votes.