THE number of mobile phone masts in Burnley is set to increase, campaigners have warned.

Protestors fear the town will be swamped by the masts, which are being put up by mobile phone companies to support the so-called third generation phones.

3G phones enable mobile phone users to access the internet more quickly via their handset, give clear call quality and let people send better images.

But they need new masts to work.

Dennis Cannon, the resident behind Burnley group Together Against Masts, said one company was planning to put up at least ten masts and that many more were likely to follow.

He said: "These masts are going up faster and faster and soon will be in every back yard in the town. Despite the numerous studies showing the danger they present the risks are just swept under the carpet."

Mobile company Hutchinson 3G UK Ltd has notified Burnley council of plans to put up a 12.5m mast next to the Spar store at the junction of Brownside Road and Brunshaw Road.

The company also has a planning application in for a mast on King's Mill, Queen Street, in Briercliffe.

People have until next Tuesday to register objections with the council to the Briercliffe plan and until July 1 on the Brownside Road scheme.

Mr Cannon said his group now had more than 2,500 members.

Anyone interested in signing up with TAM can contact him on 01282 771635.