A MOBILE phone company has conceded there may be evidence of health risks from phone masts.

BT Cellnet has announced it is pulling out of two proposed sites in Bexleyheath.

It has withdrawn plans to site a mast on a football field in Rectory Lane, Foots Cray, and it will not be taking up permission for a second controversial site at the gasometers in Old Road, Crayford.

A spokesman for the company said it took the view some sites near schools, or where facilities were used extensively by children, were too sensitive.

He added There are always a lot of bogus claims about health problems, and some genuine ones, and it is hard to tell the difference.

But he said he had spoken to campaigners trying to get rid of the Orange phone mast at Bedonwell Junior and Infant schools in Belvedere.

He said: I can see their point of view. They have got evidence to show phone masts are causing health problems. The evidence is slowly building up.

He cited America where some states have put a moratorium on any more masts until further research is done.

Meanwhile, a Barnehurst mother is campaigning against plans by Vodaphone to set a 15m mast in the car park at Barnehurst railway station.

The mast would be at the bottom of Val Gilletts garden and she is worried about the effect it might have on her son and another teenager whose home will also overlook it.

Her 19-year-old son suffers from brain aneurysms (bleeding in the brain) and she fears his health may suffer if the mast goes up.

A neighbours son is being tested for cancer.

She said: This mast would tower over our gardens. I know the link between phone masts and health problems isnt proven, but we dont want it.

Officers are recommending the refusal of plans for a street mast on the corner of Lyndhurst Road and Barnehurst Road at tomorrow (Thursday) nights planning meeting.