ANGRY residents have set up a petition against proposals for mobile phone equipment to be installed in their market town.

A letter outlining the plans in Northallerton has sparked an outcry from the public who have grave concerns about possible health and safety risks.

More than 50 residents and businesses have signed their names to object to the two antennae, microwave dish and tripod, which could be installed on the town's BT exchange building.

Telecommunications company Orange wants to install the equipment at the radio transmission site and the request is being handled by Crown Castle International (CCI).

CCI, which operates the site, circulated a letter about the proposals to nearby residents as part of a consultation process prior to the planning application being submitted.

Paula Hall, whose property on Romanby Road lies close to the site, said companies are being ignorant installing equipment when the health risks are not fully understood.

Resident Leslie Myers yesterday collected more signatures for the growing petition. She said: "These masts need to be away from residential areas and away from places where people work."

Concerns that the proposals will affect the market value of nearby properties have also been raised.

Stephen Arnold of CCI said the process is in its very early stages. "We are fully aware of the concerns residents might have and will try to address them before a planning application is submitted," he said.

"The ultimate decision as to whether the plans go ahead however, will be made by the local council."

Last year plans to install equipment at the site by rival mobile phone company One2One were rejected by Hambleton District Council due to the visual impact of the development.

The council's head of development services Maurice Cann said: "The reason the last application was rejected was because the mast would have been seen on the high street. This proposal doesn't look to have the same impact.

"If this application is submitted to the council all aspects will be fully considered."

Queries about the proposals can be addressed to Crown Castle International on 0845 601 4815.