PLANS for yet more mobile phone transmitters on the roof of Stroud police Station have sparked fierce opposition.

Network operator Vodafone wants to add three new antennae to the existing high-powered tetra mast at the police station in Parliament Street.

There are fears this will create an unhealthy concentration of transmitters in the area.

Powerful aerials already exist on the nearby Cotswold Playhouse and the Soap & Suds laundrette in Nelson Street.

Anti-mast campaigners are concerned for the health of residents and pupils at nearby Stroud Valley Community School.

They also say the area is becoming an eyesore because of the proliferation of masts.

Amberley-based anti-mast activist Lynne Edmunds, of protest group Mast Sanity, said: "I am exceptionally worried about such a large concentration of radiation in such a small area.

"These safety risks are not in peoples' imaginations."

Concern was also raised at a Stroud Town Council meeting on Monday.

Cllr Chas Townley told the consultations committee that the extra transmitters would make the area look unsightly.

"I know it's a horrible building but the more junk we put on top of it the more horrible it will become," he said.

Stroud Green Party wants a full review of the health risks of mobile technology.

District councillor Martin Whiteside (Green, Thrupp) said: "It is ludicrous to suggest that yet another phone mast so close to the school and houses in this area would be appropriate."

Planning officers at Stroud District Council are consulting on the plans.

They have until the end of March to lodge objections - but can only comment on location or design.

Vodafone spokesman Jane Frapwell stressed that the plans were to add to an existing mast rather than erect a new one - a method preferred by the Government.

And she denied masts were hazardous saying: "Guidelines are in place to protect all of us young and old, 24 hours a day wherever we are in relation to a mast."

Wycliffe College in Stonehouse is fighting phone giant O2 for the second time in as many months.

Concern has been raised among parents and teachers as the company has resubmitted an application to install a mast opposite a main boarding house.

Earlier last year plans for a mast in London Road, Stroud were turned down as were plans for a mast near the Shubberies special school in Stonehouse in 2004.