Workers who fought to stop a mobile phone mast being put on their office roof have been forced to admit defeat.

Vodafone was given permission by Brighton and Hove City Council to put the mast on Intergen House in Western Road, Hove.

About 100 people work for 14 companies in the eight-storey building and many employees were furious they had not been informed of the plan.

Some decided to try to delay the works by refusing the builders access but they had to capitulate when Vodafone threatened legal action.

Cath Senker, who works at Publishing Partners on the fourth floor, said: "We contacted everyone we could about the mast but there is nothing we could do because it is perfectly legal for a landlord to do what he likes with the building.

"The Government doesn't accept there are potential health risks from phone masts and the council gives planning permission on the grounds of aesthetics alone."

Workers, neighbouring residents and city councillor Paul Elgood fought two previous applications that were refused by the council's planning committee in 2003.

But Vodafone tried again in September last year and was successful.

Ms Senker said: "We need to encourage debate about the health risks of mobiles."

Coun Elgood said: "Local authorities hands are tied at the moment because they cannot object to planning applications on health and safety grounds and the phone companies are determined to get these applications through.

"Last year, there was a Private Member's Bill in Parliament which sought to give councils more grounds for rejecting mobile phone masts.

"We really want to see this brought back and legislation brought in."

For more information about the possible health risks visit www.mastaction.co.uk