A YOUNG mum has slammed plans to build a mobile phone mast near her home.

Kristy Tytler believes phone giant O2’s scheme to build a 3G mobile mast could pose serious health risks to her three-month-old baby Alexandra and her four-year-old son Matthew.

If the phone mast is erected on Hollins Lane it will only be 50 metres away from the family home in Manchester Road, Baxenden.

Kristy, 31, was one of over 50 residents to attend a meeting at the Alma Inn last Thursday to discuss the phone giant’s proposals.

Kristy, who only found out about the scheme last week, said: "I saw a notice on a telegraph pole while I was walking on Hollins Lane but it isn’t prominent."

Recent studies have shown some scientists believe there is a link between the phone masts and cancer, as yet there is no proof.

Kristy, who has been living in Manchester Road for 11 years, said: "While I am not worried about the phone masts with regard to my health, I worry about the children because I don’t think it is fair for me to put their health at risk."

She also said she and her husband Justin may move house if the mast goes ahead.

Baxenden community activist, Sheila McVan of Southwood Drive, said: "I only found out on Monday night after the Baxenden Forum Meeting in the Alma.

"The meeting was very informative, if somewhat disconcerting to hear about all the research that has been carried out about the effects these mobile phone masts can have on people’s health.

"Most of the research seems to have been done abroad and some of the tests they have carried out seem to have been quite conclusive that these phone masts can affect people’s wellbeing and in many cases increase their risk of cancer."

She said if the mast does go ahead, it will be sited a few hundred yards from The Hollins Technology College.

She added: "It is very worrying as the mast is not only going to be near to people’s homes but also near to a large secondary school and recreation ground."

An O2 spokesman confirmed the company is in a preconsultation process, but stressed no plans have been drawn up for the site.