CONTROVERSIAL plans for a new Tetra mast in Dorchester came under fire at a public meeting last night.

Around 200 residents packed the Corn Exchange to quiz radiation experts on the possible health risks and discuss concerns.

West Dorset MP Oliver Letwin vowed to help - but urged people to work together to fight the proposal.

Telecommunications firm Airwave O2 has applied to site a new Tetra mast on top of the Keep Military Museum in Bridport Road. If approved it will be used by the emergency services.

The plans have been recommended for approval by West Dorset District Council planners. But last night anxious residents made it clear the mast is not welcome.

Tony Bonnen, of Bridport Road, said he feared the real health risks would only become apparent in the future.

"I know people will think this is a case of 'not in my back yard', but surely a rural area would be more appropriate," he said.

Residents agreed, slamming the idea of erecting the mast so close to schools and Dorset County Hospital.

Hospital worker Liz Burden, whose two children attend Damers First School, said she was prepared to collect as many signatures as possible to stop the mast.

But others feared the scheme would be a 'whitewash' and win approval despite objections.

Councillor David Barrett, who organised the meeting with Coun cillor Leslie Phillips, said he was concerned for the welfare of Dorchester's people.

He urged everybody concerned to sign a petition - already boasting 400 signatures - and write to Mr Letwin.

To rapturous applause, Coun Phillips declared: "We don't want it here. I hope the members of the planning committee will make the right decision."

Residents listened to microwave research expert Barrie Trower and Radiation Research Trust chairman Mike Bell outline what they said were the possible health risks. Mr Trower said: "I'd say with scientific certainty if this mast goes up here, there'll be a three to four-fold increase of at least eight types of cancer. If you asked me to put money on that, I'd put everything I've got on it."

Mr Trower said women, children, the sick and elderly would be affected first. Possible symptoms ranged from depression to skin disorders, he claimed.

Mr Bell said: "I think tolerance and sense should apply. Surely there's another more suitable spot for it."

Mr Letwin recommended taking the less risky' option of opposing the mast.

"I hope it'll turn out that we needn't have worried," he said. "But in the meanwhile it'd pay to be cautious."

He stressed the importance of considering alternative sites for the mast that may have been overlooked by Airwave O2 for commercial reasons.

While he described Tetra as valuable technology', Mr Letwin acknowledged the risks and urged people to keep on fighting.

"It makes abundant sense to see if there's somewhere else out of the way," he added.

"Don't think this is an unstoppable juggernaut we can't have any effect on. But I can't do it alone - unless we work together we won't achieve anything."

No representatives from Airwave O2 were present at the meeting.

The planning application for the mast goes before the council's Development Control East committee on Thursday.