FOR the second time in four years parents and governors at a Falmouth primary school have been forced to launch a campaign against a proposed "monster" mobile phone mast.

Parents and governors at King Charles Primary School were horrified to learn that mobile phone giants O2 were planning to position a 15 metre (50 feet) high mast on the pavement at Western Terrace - just a few metres away from the 470-pupil school.

An emergency meeting was called on Monday, to discuss the options and decide on a course of action.

Chairman of the group Kate Richards, a parent and governor at the school, said: "I just find it so depressing, having to do this all over again, after such a good campaign last time on exactly the same issue - why should we have to begin again? It was this time of year last time too. It's like they want to give us a 'happy Christmas'."

Four years ago the group mounted a successful campaign against the same mobile network - then called BT Cellnet - who wanted to place a mast at the sports club opposite the school, which was refused by Carrick district council.

Their campaign included a petition containing 1,000 signatures. The district council also received 134 letters from concerned parents.

This time the group is facing a race against time - protests must be received by the district council planning committee by December 2.

Parent Deborah Newman said: "My concern is that my children go to King Charles School and as long as the jury is out on the long-term effects of this it shouldn't happen."

Mrs Newman added: "My message is simple. This particular planning application should be refused, as it will be detrimental to the residents of this area."

Members of the protest group also attended the Falmouth town council planning meeting on Monday evening.

Here, they handed out a list of objections to the councillors and Mrs Newman gave a brief talk.

Falmouth mayor Maureen Davies said she was also against the scheme as was Councillor Stephen Eva who said: "I just think it is totally inappropriate to put up a mast of that size. It's totally out of keeping with the area."

The council voted unanimously to object to the plan.

A petition started by Deborah Newman, on Tuesday, received over 200 signatures in just one day.

Minister of Emmanuel Baptist Church, Reverend Charles Blizzard, had been offered £3,000 to have the mast on his land.

"I'm not happy," he said. "What annoyed me was that, firstly, it's very large. Visually I think it has an impact as you as you look at the church. Secondly, there are still, in people's minds, questions against their safety. Thirdly, I was a bit peeved by the fact that we got offered £3,000 and we say no, and they just move it a few yards outside the church grounds."

Angela Johnson, from O2, said: "Phones won't work without them." Power emitted by the masts was very low and said there was no evidence of any health risks.

A meeting is due to take place on Monday November 29 at King Charles School, 7pm.