ANGRY homeowners are squaring up to phone giant Orange after a 17-metre mast went up just feet from their front doors.

People living in and around Healey Wood Road, Rastrick, were shocked when the mast appeared on land near their homes last week.

The mast did not need planning permission because it is an emergency step for no longer than six months.

A mast had been sited at Royds Mill, in Huddersfield Road, Brighouse, but had to be moved when work began on converting it into flats.

Now many people living in Healey Wood Road fear it may become a permanent fixture.

Mother-of-five Beverley Hill, 40, of nearby Tile Terrace, confronted Orange officials who visited the site. Her children are aged between three and 22 and she is worried about the risk of radiation from the mast.

She said: "Although there is no proof about the dangers of radiation from the mast you do worry especially when you have children. Fifty years ago people did not think asbestos was dangerous.

"Orange said they would be looking for a different permanent site after the six months is up but I am worried the mast will stay.

"Even though Orange have said they are sorry about how close it is to my house they won't move it.

"I cannot go out in the garden because I am in the shadow of this awful tower.

"We are going to carry on the fight. We want to try and stop these temporary masts being put up with out any warning."

Marie-Therese Beale, of Healey Wood Bottom, said she could not believe that no-one had consulted people living near the mast.

She said: "I am disgusted they can put this mast and not let us know. We thought they were just clearing up the land and then this went up.

"It is an eyesore and far too close to the houses. When it was being put up one of the workmen said he though it was too close as well."

A spokesman for Orange said: "We are looking for an alternative site and would be pleased to hear from ward councillors or other people who can suggest a site."

Contact Orange on 0870 3754100.