VILLAGERS are opposing plans for a 20-metre phone mast near their homes.

More than 300 people in Croxdale and Tudhoe have signed a petition against the plan by Hutchinson 3G to erect the tower, antennas and cabin in Chair Lane, Croxdale.

Yesterday, three residents were joined by Spennymoor Town Council clerk Terry Robson and John Kelly, from Croxdale and Hett Parish Council, as they put their concerns to Sedgefield Borough Council's development control committee.

They argued they could not guarantee that residents' safety would not be at risk.

Mr Robson said Spennymoor Town Council felt there was no proven data which categorically stated that emissions from masts were safe.

He said the Stewart report that acts as a Government guideline on the erection of mobile telephone masts called for a precautionary approach.

Brett Fleming, for Hutchinson 3G, said there was no proof that masts could be harmful to people's health.

Committee members decided to defer a decision until a site visit had been made.