Pensioners worried about their pacemakers have urged Southern Water to ditch a radio mast.

The Tetra mast has been put up on the water company's property in Longridge Avenue, Saltdean, as part of a new police digital radio system.

But people living nearby fear the mast could cause epilepsy, birth defects, or cancer.

Pensioner Gerry Summerfield, chairman of the East Saltdean Residents' Association, said: "Southern Water should think less about profits and more about people's health.

"The effects of mobile phone technology are still being investigated and until the results are available in several years' time, we remain guinea pigs."

The 75-year-old, whose home is about 50 yards from the mast, said research indicated Tetra - short for Terrestrial Trunked Radiomasts - could interfere with electrical devices such as pacemakers and monitoring equipment in ambulances.

He said: "Several people in East Saltdean have pacemakers and are particularly worried about their well-being.

"I have a pacemaker and I can't go anywhere near a microwave. I can't even go in my own kitchen when the microwave is on.

"It is also dangerous for me to go through body scanners at airports."

The mast was erected by service provider O2 last month and is due to be switched on in March next year as part of a national upgrade to the police radio system.

It is the second mast in Longridge Avenue - a mobile phone mast was erected in 1998.

Mr Summerfield warned the industry could be hit by lawsuits if health risks were proved in the future.

He said: "Health matters aside, putting up mobile phone and Tetra masts may put money in Southern Water's pocket but it steals from other people.

"Having a mast next to your home often makes property unsaleable or takes value off the property."

A Southern Water spokeswoman said the firm had granted a six-month licence for masts on the land.

She said: "The company notes the concerns of residents on the installation of masts and in making its decision has taken into account all the recent concerns raised, balanced against the general advice of the Government.

"The mobile phone companies are subject to regulation, which has recently been reviewed following the publication of the Stewart Report.

"It cannot be ignored that mobile communications are a part of everyday life and in embracing this technology it would be difficult for Southern Water to oppose the provision of the infrastructure without good cause.

"Southern Water also requires mobile phone companies to obtain the relevant planning permission from the local authority and relies on this process to determine whether a development is appropriate for the location."

A spokeswoman for O2 said there was a lot of misinformation about the possible health effects of masts.

She said: "Guidelines on emissions are set by the National Radiological Protection Board, an independent body, and we adhere to them.

"The emissions from our masts are usually much less than these recommended levels."

For more information, visit www.nrpb.org

Wednesday October 01, 2003