A mobile phone mast planned next to a children's nursery in a popular play area in South Ruislip has sparked outrage among parents worried about radiation.

The latest unpopular mast threatening to invade residential areas in the borough, the 11.5 metre pole is planned for the junction of Brackenbridge Drive and Down Barn Road next to Brackenbridge Playgroup and a play area surrounded by houses.

Mother-of-three Susanna Levy, whose home is close to the mast site, has gathered more than 100 signatures in protest. She said: 'We have industrial areas not far from here, why do they insist in positioning them in residential areas?

'This green is in constant use by children, and ten years down the line, who knows what's going to happen to their health?'

Her concerns were voiced on Thursday last week ,, the same day that a report by the Independent Expert Group on mobile phones was published.

Although the panel of experts, chaired by the Government's chief scientific adviser Sir William Stewart, said it found no evidence that mobile phones or phone masts damaged health, it decided a 'precautionary approach' was needed until more evidence was gathered.

The panel decided that homes should be sent a leaflet explaining mobile phone technology and the facts of radiofrequency radiation.

And a national database of base stations established and random checks carried out to ensure their emissions do not exceed agreed levels.

Residents living near the site have until May 22 to respond to Orange's application.

Council spokesman Roy Mills said: 'The council understands and appreciates people's concerns and we can acknowledge them by passing them on to the Health and Safety Executive.'

'But the council can only act within current law and can only turn down an application on planning grounds [an environmental impact] rather than on the grounds of health concerns.'

A spokeswoman for Orange said: 'We choose sites that meet our technical needs, our customers' coverage requirements and that comply with all planning and environmental regulations.

'Whenever a new mast is required, we make every effort to minimise the environmental impact by working closely with the local planning authority.'