Plans to build seven telephone masts in Billericay and Wickford have been unveiled - in the week further concerns were raised about their safety.

Mobile phone giant Vodaphone wants to put up four 15 metre masts on land at Kingsman's Farm in Tye Common Road, Hillside Farm in Buckwyns, Chase Farm in Little Burstead and Outwood Riding Centre in Outwood Farm Road.

Three other masts are planned for sites at Morbec Farm in Arterial Road, Wickford, sewerage works in Southend Road and Bromfords Farm in Nevendon Road.

The moves came as Basildon MP Angela Smith joined other MPs in backing a parliamentary motion calling for more scientific research on the effects of masts.

A spokesman for Vodaphone said the masts would be less intrusive than some other designs - and would improve the quality of service for mobile phone users in Billericay.

He said: "What we want to do here is improve the capacity and coverage of mobile phone usage for the people of Billericay and the surrounding areas.

"The masts, if given approval, will look like large matchsticks with a bulbous top. They will not be a lattice towers as some people may have thought."

Mrs Smith expressed her concerns about the growing number of masts popping up around the country.

She said: "A number of constituents have expressed their worries about the effects these masts could have on public health as well as their environmental impact.

"I really believe more research is needed on the implications of building these masts and that planning authorities should proceed with extreme caution."

The proposals are being considered by officers at Basildon Council, although in all cases except at the Bromfords Farm the council has no final say in the issue.

The Bromfords Farm mast is slightly taller, 20 metres, and hence requires council permission.

A council spokesman said: "Apart from in the case of the taller mast the council are only consultees - we don't have the power to say yes or no but we can make comments regarding the siting and appearance of them."

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