DURHAM University is objecting to a planned mobile phone station because it fears signals will interfere with sensitive equipment.

Phone company O2 is seeking Durham City Council's permission for a 15-metre tall mast on land opposite the New Inn, Church Street Head.

But the university is objecting because of possible interference with electronic equipment in its physics department in the nearby Science Site.

A university spokeswoman said: "Analysis of the electromagnetic emissions field data from this equipment has, in the past, identified characteristics which would interfere with equipment used in electronics research carried out in the Department of Physics.''

Residents and the nearby independent Bow School, which has 150 pupils aged three to 13, are objecting over fears that signals from the mast could pose a health risk.

Headmaster Nick Baird said: "I think the jury is still very much out on the effect of these waves on people's health generally. With 150 boys in my care I have to be cautious.''

Mr Baird added that the mast could also spoil views of the cathedral and castle.

Robin Martin, of Quarry Heads Lane, said she objected strongly on health grounds because she was concerned about a spate of cancer deaths among people living near mobile phone base stations in Christchurch, New Zealand.

She said: "It is simply too late when people have died to attack and accuse companies."

The Government, which has raised billions of pounds selling 'third stage' licences to mobile phone firms, says there is no evidence of a health risk and councils cannot refuse masts on health grounds.

An O2 spokeswoman said: "After taking guidance from expert and regulatory bodies in this field, O2 is completely satisfied that mobile base stations operating within existing guidelines are safe and do not pose a health risk to members of the public.

"O2 is aware of the University's concerns regarding possible interference with equipment in the physics laboratory. However, because of the very low power at which cell sites operate, it is confident that there will be no problems of this nature.''

She added that the antennae would not be pointed towards the school and that the mast's visual impact would be similar to that of a street light column.