VILLAGE people in Yorkley fear a proposed telecommunications mast in the local recreation field and next to a health centre may pose radiation risks as well as being an eyesore.
At the same time the proposal puts the village's hard-up recreation committee in a dilemma because it could bring in much-needed cash.
Forest planners appear to be on the side of protesters, objecting at their latest meeting to the proposal on grounds of siting and appearance and telling the developers they must seek planning permission for the scheme.
Neighbours and near-neighbours were outraged when notices outlining the proposed 45-ft tower, compound and control-room cabin appeared in the village.
Parents of children who use the recreation field quickly added their voices to the movement to stop the tower going ahead.
Parent Jane Rhodes said she had two young children who used the field a lot. "It isn't just radiation, though they are careful to say this isn't proven, but I have learned that the microwaves make epilepsy worse too," she said.
She also lived next to the site and feared the tower, which is being planned by W.S. Atkins Mobile Communications on behalf of mobile phone company One to One, would spoil the view.
Ian Marshall, who lives opposite the recreation ground, said: "If it is built it is all I will see through my window.
"The recreation ground has never been more popular with children. It is also used as the school sports field and there is football at the weekend.
"When I heard about it I went to the council offices and paid £7 to see the plans. It is very big. There is to be a 2-metre fence around it with two strands of barbed wire at the top.
"Can you imagine that in a playing field? If children kick a ball over are they going to wait for some official to turn out to get it back – they are going to go over, with all the horrific injuries that could entail.
"As for radiation I have been in touch with a relative in Norwich who said parents had stopped these towers being built anywhere near children. I think Somerset is bringing in regulations on this too."
Like others he has lodged a written objection with Forest planners – the closing date for comments is March 23.
Parish council chairman John Marchant said he understood the concerns as well as the recreation committee's need for funds. "However, as it is in a place where children gather I think a better site could be found," he said.
"There has been some vandalism in the vicinity too. Altogether it would be better on private rather than public ground."
A spokesman for the Forest of Dean District Council said there had been little that could be done about communications industry proposals in the past but amendments had gone through last year which allowed the council to make siting and appearance objections, which they had now done.
The applicants could now either appeal or seek another site.