OBJECTORS to a mobile phone mast planned to be put up close to their Pewsey homes are urging as many people as possible to write protest letters.

Kennet District Council refused the planning application from mobile phone service provider O2 to put the transmitter at the village sports field between the High Street and Ball Road.

The phone company wants to put up the mast to improve its coverage in the village and has appealed against the district council's refusal.

The appeal is being dealt with by way of written submissions.

The inspector appointed by the Department of the Environment's planning inspectorate will make a site visit before reaching a decision.

Pewsey Vale Football Club has given the go-ahead to O2 to put up the transmitter at the edge of the pitch it rents from Pewsey Parish Council

Parish councillors decided to allow the club to sub-let to O2 although some villagers claimed this breached the club's lease on the site.

A growing number of residents, particularly those with homes near the soccer ground, have been expressing fears about possible effects on their health from the mast transmissions.

The six-week deadline for objections expires on February 21.

One of the leading anti-mast campaigners, Phyllis Mason, said: "If people want help with writing their letters or copies of letters we will help them."

Mrs Mason said people could get help with their letters by ringing (01672) 563324 or 563280.

Correspondence for the inquiry should be sent to Ref APP/E3905/A/051171648 at the Department of the Environment, Room 3/01, Kite Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN.