DALTON residents are protesting against a mobile phone mast which has been put up next to their homes.

The three-pronged UMTF mast has been erected on the roof of BES Consulting, on Broad Lane, by mobile phone company Hutchison 3G UK Ltd.

The mast allows people to use 3G -third generation - mobile phone technology.

This enables people to make video calls or download pop videos on to their mobile handsets.

But Broad Lane residents are unimpressed with the new technology on their doorstep.

Richard Slater lives next door to the mast site. He is worried that the mast could affect the value of his home, because of people's fears over the safety of phone masts.

He is also concerned about the effects it could have on his health.

He said: "It has not been proven that radio waves from masts are not safe. But is has not been proven that they are either.

"I am so close to it that if it is proved that the radiation is unsafe, I could be in a dangerous position.

"If I want to sell my house people will take the mast into consideration - regardless of what official reports say, they are worried about safety. I would be if I was buying.

"Other people here are concerned and some of the businesses are unhappy."

Mr Slater is also unhappy at the lack of consultation residents received.

He said: "I'm concerned that I was not consulted with regard to the construction of this mast.

"I had no idea it was going up. The only planning notice I saw was to change the pavement outside BES Consulting for disabled access.

"The rights of the people affected by radiation emitted in extremely close and constant contact must be addressed."

Mr Slater has written about his concerns to Hutchison 3G UK Ltd and Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Huddersfield, Barry Sheerman.

A spokeswoman for Kirklees Council's planning department said: "There is no record of an enquiry of permission having been granted on Broad Lane, Dalton.

"Kirklees Council will now investigate this as an enforcement complaint."

The council can only refuse permission to telecommunications firms for masts on the grounds of design or siting, because the firms have permitted development rights.

The phone company declined to comment.