'Reject mobile phone mast'

The proposed mast would be 20 metres high, and be based approximately 50 metres from the Ripe Conservation Area and just 150 metres or so from Ripe Nursery School.

Mr Bake, the MP for Lewes, pointed out the independent Stewart Report, originally published in May 2000, reported that a five-year-old child may absorb up to 60% more of the radio frequencies used by mobile phones than an adult would and urged caution with the siting of telecommunications equipment where children were nearby.

Mr Baker said:,'A great many of my constituents have contacted me on this issue, many of whom have children that attend Ripe Nursery School, and it is clear that they are very worried.

'Some have even stated that if the proposed mast goes ahead they will remove there children from the school.'

'The independent Stewart Report, rightly in my view, recommended that a prudent approach should be taken where children are involved. For that reason I am urging Wealden District Council to reject the application.'