Villagers in Harlington say their health could be at risk if a mobile phone mast is installed at the top of a church tower.

Last month telecommunications company Hutchison 3G had its plans to put a mast on top of the Church of St Mary The Virgin in Harlington approved by Mid Beds District Council.

Neighbouring homes were consulted about the mast, but one villager says the plans should have been publicised more widely because of fears over the possible negative effects on people's health.

Andra Bishop, who lives in Park Leys, Harlington, said: "More than just a few houses around the church should have been consulted, just out of a sense of community."

Fourteen homes were sent letters telling them about the plans, and two objections were sent back to the council. Information supplied with Hutchison 3G's application says that "clearly defined physical exclusion zones" should be set up around such equipment, but does not say how big the zones should be.

Another resident, Graham Cooper, who lives in Church Road, said: "If we don't know what effect this might have on people we should play it safe."

A spokesman for Mid Beds District Council said that, in addition to the letters sent out, a public notice would have been put up outside the church giving details of the plans.

Click here to visit Mid Beds District Council's website