HOPES that mobile phone masts will be removed from a South Woodford road are fading as telecommunications companies still refuse to acknowledge there is any danger.

Residents of Carnarvon Road, dubbed cancer street,' due to the unusually high number of residents with the condition, were buoyed by the decision last week to remove a mast from a similarly blighted tower of doom' in Bristol.

However Orange, which withdrew the Bristol installation and also has equipment installed in Redbridge, deny the decision was taken due to the health of residents but rather for commercial reasons.

Constance Nash, 86, lives in Forest House and first had breast cancer in 2001. Since then she has developed breast cancer again and has been treated for colon cancer which is currently in remission.

She said: "I know of other people in the area who have had operations for cancer in the past and some have died. My cat even died of stomach cancer.

"They have put up extra masts there recently. I would like to see them go but I don't think it will happen."

Redbridge Council ordered a National Radiological Protection Board investigation into the health effects of the masts in 2002. Although the report found there were no health dangers, the council denies that it has given fresh permission for more masts.

A spokeswoman said: "Planning permission for mobile phone masts on Forest House in Carnarvon Road was last granted on appeal on April 23, 2003.

"However, as companies have five years to complete work it is possible more have been added recently."

Orange community relations manager Martin Grey says that Orange takes both public safety and the concerns of residents very seriously and that its base stations comply with international safety guidelines.

He said: "Residents can be reassured that the location is fully compliant with the stringent World Health Organisation approved international guidelines.

"The science on this issue is reassuring. There have now been over 30 independent expert review reports published during the past six years including two by the UK Health Protection Agency."