ANGRY residents of a Valleys town are fighting plans to build a giant radio mast only yards from their homes.

People in Carlton Terrace, Cross Keys, are furious because Network Rail, who own and operate the country's railway infrastructure, plan to build a 107ft-communications mast opposite their homes.

Network Rail say the masts are required to replace radio with digital systems that will allow communication between drivers and signallers nationwide.

They say a key recommendation into the Ladbroke Grove rail disaster called for such a system.

But locals say the mast would be in a built-up residential area and could have serious health implications.

They intend to fight Network Rail's proposals and have put together a 50-name petition, to be sent to the company this week.

Resident Leon Jenkins, 70, said: "It beggars belief they intend to build it here. "We are deeply concerned about the possibility that it can cause cancer, although officialdom will always say emissions are within statutory levels.

"Such masts are linked with increases in cases of cancer and leukaemia.

"There are a number of young children who live nearby and attend the Emmanuel Christian School in the Hope Baptist Church, and we are worried about them."

Residents are afraid the tower will be an eyesore and may also cause noise pollution. Another resident, Betty Caswell, said: "It will be a monstrosity which will be seen for miles around."

The decision to build near Carlton Terrace was brought to the attention of the people there by local councillor Michael Gray.

Residents claim the matter has been dealt with in an underhand way by Network Rail, who do not need to obtain planning permission through Caerphilly council because the development is in connection with the movement of rail traffic.

But Christian Tagholm, a spokesman for Network Rail, said there was no reason for locals' health fears.

He added: "The door is still open for discussion and we are willing to talk with everyone concerned, from the council to local people.

"It is still early days at the moment."

PICTURE: Petition organiser Leon Jenkins and fellow residents of Carlton Terrace, Cross Keys, at the location near their homes where it is proposed to erect a communications mast