RESIDENTS in the Oakdale area are furious over plans to locate a mobile phone mast near to their homes.

Vodafone is looking to install an 18 metre high telecommunications mast within a fenced compound at Llyspentwyn Farm in the village.

A temporary mast is currently housed near the site which overlooks the homes on the Ynys y Coed estate as well as Underwood Road, Groveside Road and High Tree Rise.

The planning committee of Caerphilly county borough council is due to consider the application at a meeting this evening.

Despite strong objections from local residents in the form of two petitions bearing 33 and 80 signatures respectively, council officers have recommended that permission be granted.

Paula Creed of Ynys y Coed is worried about the potential health risks of the phone mast.

The 38-year-old mother-of-two said: "I'm a mobile phone user and I'm not against masts other than having them next to houses. There hasn't been enough research into the issue, so to have it so close behind houses and near to so many people is wrong."

She added: "I'm a childminder responsible for seven children and I'm worried that it will affect my business as well."