CAMPAIGNERS are angry after a National Assembly inspector upheld an appeal by mobile phone giant Vodafone to build a phone mast in their village.

Protesters opposed the appeal after Torfaen council rejected the application for the mast on land between Pentwyn Primary School and Abersychan Cricket Club.

Residents were given the opportunity to make written submissions to the inspector against the appeal but were angry a public inquiry was not granted to allow them to air their views in person.

Campaign leader Mark Pearson, 40, who lives just yards away from the site, said local people were very disappointed with the decision. He vowed to continue protests and said campaigners would be waiting when work starts on the mast.

"This is bad news for the village. We will be there chaining ourselves to railings if we have to.

"Nobody is 100 per cent sure about the health risks," he said.

Mr Pearson said the mast would adversely affect the value of his property and hinder his ability to sell his home.

But the Assembly inspection report said any negative visual impact of the mast would only be "modest".

The report recognises residents' health concerns are "sincere and keenly felt" but says an independent report by scientist William Stewart in 2000 does not identify any proven link between masts and illness.

Mr Pearson said it was unfair government policy took a precautionary approach to placing the masts next to schools but would allow a mast next to his garden where his two children, Lara, eight, and Alex, 13, play.

Abersychan community councillor Wayne Tomlinson criticised what locals say was a lack of consultation with residents and said they should have been granted a public inquiry.

Pentwyn residents handed a 194-name petition to planning officers, which objected to the application last year.

A Vodafone spokesman said the company was pleased with the outcome of the appeals process.

Work on the mast will start during the next financial year.