THE MONSTERS IN THE MAST

Last updated : 13 October 2002 By Editor

From the MEN

The secret locations of hidden mobile phone masts in Greater Manchester have been revealed - and five of them are inside Manchester United's stadium.

Seven controversial masts have been placed in signs on the forecourts of Shell petrol stations, one has been put behind a Texaco station and five have been built into the Old Trafford ground.

There has been growing concern in recent years that radiation emitted from mobile phone masts causes cancer. And there have been a spate of campaigns throughout the country against their erection in residential areas.

United are sponsored by mobile giant Vodafone and the firm installed the masts in 2000.

People living in the shadow of Old Trafford said they were not consulted and reacted angrily to the news.

Pensioner Betty McNiell said: "The club never tell us anything and they certainly didn't tell us about this.

"It's just all about money with them and to hell with everybody el se. I am worried because you don't know what these things can do."

Neighbour Mary Brown said: "I think it is disgusting. There is talk that these things can cause cancer and it's worrying because there are lots of kids who live here."

Darren Hutton, 23, said: "Nothing the club does surprises me anymore. If the club say that these things are safe I'd like to see Alex Ferguson come and live around here."

United, Shell and Texaco all said people had nothing to worry about.

United spokesman Paddy Harverson said it was Vodafone's policy to consult with the local authority before installing the masts.

He added: "They are not big masts, they are only antennas, they do not pose any danger and they are certainly not a safety hazard."

Mick McMahon, UK Retail director for Shell, said: "We believe this service to be a safe and common practice. We fully recognise the public's concerns and we are working with the mobile phone companies to ensure transparen cy."

All the other petrol giants denied that they had any of the controversial masts fitted on their forecourts