ANGRY parents have blasted the timing of a meeting which could determine whether or not a mobile phone mast is erected yards from their children’s school.

The 15m-high column would be situated on a verge on Canford Heath Road, right outside Ad Astra First School.

Planning officers recommend Borough of Poole councillors refuse the scheme when it comes before the planning board at 9.30am on Thursday.

But it is the timing of the meeting – in the middle of the half term holidays – that has some parents seething.

Helen Mark, a member of the school’s parent teacher association, said: “A lot of parents probably won’t be able to get along to the meeting because of the half term holidays. The timing is really inconvenient for many people.

“If your partner works, you will need to get someone to look after your children if you want to attend.

“Some parents are not happy about this.”

The parents are worried about the possible health implications for their children, should the application from O2 and Vodafone be agreed.

Helen said: “Parents are very unhappy. There is outrage.

“There is evidence to suggest people have suffered headaches and nausea from living close to masts like this.”

As part of the application, the mobile phone companies have submitted guidance on health concerns. They cite a World Health Organisation report from 2006, which states there is “no convincing scientific evidence that weak radiofrequency signals from base stations and wireless networks cause adverse health effects.”

It also pointed out the levels of radio signals emitted by phone masts are “well below” international guidelines.

Borough of Poole officers are recommending refusal on the grounds the mast’s ancillary cabinets will have a detrimental impact on the street scene.