Firefighters hope public pressure will prevent mobile phone masts being placed on top of fire stations.

The Fire Brigade's Union is angry about plans for masts to be built at stations in Roedean and Bexhill.

Officers are concerned about possible health risks to station staff and schoolchildren nearby.

They are now calling on the public to back their campaign and express concern to the East Sussex Combined Fire Authority.

FBU Brigade Chairman Steve Huggins said: "East Sussex County Council and Brighton and Hove City Council make up the Combined Fire Authority.

"Neither council will have them on their property so we can't understand why we should. It's a case of double standards.

"We want the residents of Bexhill and Roedean to raise their concerns and attend the next meeting of the combined fire authority at Eastbourne fire station, Whitley Road, Eastbourne."

Leading Firefighter Mark Mitchell, union representative at Bexhill, said: "We are a community fire brigade. If the mast is installed, what kind of sign will it send to residents and parents?"

Temporary assistant chief fire officer Mike Smyth said there was currently a period of consultation, with a decision being made at the fire authority's committee meeting on Thursday, December 6, at 10.30am.

He said: "We've been in contact with the various companies involved with the installation of masts. They are simply proposals at this stage.

"It will be a decision for the authority meeting. The elected members will decide whether they proceed or not."

East Sussex County Councillor Mike Murphy, who chairs the committee, said: "I was aware there was some concern.

"I do not know how many firefighters are unhappy with the proposals. As far as I am concerned, we are consulting all the staff and the chief fire officer will be producing a report for our meeting."

Mr Murphy said all views expressed would be taken on board and the public was welcome to attend the meeting.

To raise a question at the meeting, send it in advance to the Chairman of the Combined Fire Authority, 24 King Henry's Road, Lewes BN7 1BZ.