FEARS over potential health risks have prompted civic leaders to reject plans to install a mobile phone base station at a Spa landmark.

Mobile giant, Vodafone wants to add a radio base station to the Water Tower in Yew Tree Hill.

But concerns over its visual impact and health implications have prompted members of the town council planning committee to reject the initial proposal.

Councillor Richard Morris (Con-South East) said at the Monday night planning meeting: "It's starting to look like a Christmas tree up there and the health implications are still not fully known."

Cllr Morris referred to recent newspaper reports of a Dutch investigation. According to The Evening Standard, Dutch investigators studied people living within 2 miles of transmitters for the more powerful new third generation (3G) phones. These people suffered headaches, tingling sensations and nausea.

Third Generation phones allow fast data transfer, to enable access to the internet and video conferencing. Current mobile phone networks, are not thought to have such a powerful impact.

Cllr Peter Pinfield (Lab-East) said the committee should write to the owners of the water tower, Severn Trent Water and tell them "enough is enough."

Town mayor Cllr Jan Bolton (Con-East) added: "We should take it all away. It's an absolute eyesore."

Caroline Hosey from Severn Trent Water confirmed they had received an initial proposal but would look at the application in more detail when they had more information.

Vodafone spokesperson, Jane Frapwell said the firm is looking to install 3G transmitters in the future. But as talks are still in their initial stages, she could not confirm if this was the case at Yew Tree Hill.

However, she added that the Dutch investigations need to be looked into further.

"We ensure that radio base stations comply with stringent international guidelines designed to protect public health.

"These guidelines are precautionary and receive the formal backing of the World Health Organisation. However, we are very happy to discuss any community concerns," she added.

by LISA HERITAGE