RESIDENTS who lost a battle two years ago to stop a mobile phone mast being placed just yards from their homes are now gearing themselves up for yet another fight.

People living in Hardwicke Close, St John's, were distraught when a 17.5m Vodafone mast was erected on the Hylton Road industrial estate opposite their houses in 2004.

Earlier this year, they fought another application, this time from 02, which submitted plans for a mast of the same size on the same site.

Worcester City Council turned this one down, much to their delight, but it now appears that although they won the battle, the war is still on, because O2 has appealed against this decision.

Pat Barnes, of Hardwicke Close, is exasperated that the issue is continuing. She said: "No one knows for sure how much these masts affect health and if, in years to come, there is some solid proof of ill-effects, it will be too late for us.

"Also, if this appeal is granted, what is to stop a third or a fourth one being put up. My personal fear is that this will be the case."

Another neighbour, Karen Price, aged 35, is also concerned about the health risks, particularly to her two children, Abigail, five, and Harry, two.

She said: "We just do not know what the health risks are, especially to youngsters. We have fought these things before and we will continue to do so again. I will be putting in a letter of very strong opposition."

Pensioner George Cummings was not as bothered about the health effect as by the blot on the landscape the development would cause - O2's application is for a 17.5 mast, three antennas and cabinets on land on the industrial estate in Hylton Road. Mr Cummings said: "We have been here 38 years and were OK with the industrial estate being there, but we don't want anything else added.

"We can't understand why the mast has to be so high and why O2 want all these extra bits. Surely there must be a better location for it, where it won't affect so many people. It will be such an eyesore."

Residents have until Wednesday July 26 to post their views to the planning inspectorate, and a decision on the appeal will be made soon after that.

No one from O2 was available to comment.