A COUPLE whose daughter is suffering from leukaemia say they will move home if plans for a mobile phone mast are approved.

Hutchison 3G has applied to Durham City Council for permission to erect a 20-metre mast at Low Newton Farm, Brasside, Durham - only 100 metres from where Terry Bennett and Katy Hicken live with their daughter Rachel.

In addition to serving Hutchison 3G customers, the mast would also serve those of up to four other mobile phone operators.

Mr Bennett, 26, whose four-year-old daughter was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in August 2001, said: "We are gravely worried. A specialist in blood disorders gave us a few case studies on the effects of radiation on leukaemia and it ended up a lot worse.

"We have also spent time on the Internet and found the same thing.

"I am not prepared to risk my daughter's health.

"If the phone mast goes up, we feel like we have no option other than to move house."

Mr Bennett said that as the village already had two phone masts serving about 150 homes, he did not understand why another mast was necessary.

He said other residents were also opposed to the plans.

"Katy and I spent two days knocking on doors trying to find out how people felt," he said.

"Everyone said they were opposed and we have handed in 22 letters to the council.

"Hopefully, there are going to be a lot more, and there is also a petition going round.

"We had a meeting on December 28 and 55 people came."

Mr Bennett said he was planning another residents' meeting, to which he would invite Hutchison 3G, as well as a meeting with council planners.

A spokesman for Hutchison 3G said that radiation levels would be independently checked and published on the company's website.

He said: "All our sites abide by international standards and we would be happy to address the family's concerns through meeting or corresponding with them."

A council spokeswoman said it was too early to comment on the plans.