The masts will be built on railway-owned land

Network Rail plans to build 13 of the masts along the Tarka line, which runs from Barnstaple to Exeter.

People in the surrounding area are worried about the health implications and also the effect on the landscape.

At about 100-feet high, the masts are four times the size of an average house, and twice that of a mobile phone tower.

Challenge considered

Jackie Hill, and her three-year-old daughter Hollie, live 70 yards from the proposed site.

Mrs Hill said: "My concerns are the health risks and what effect it would have on Hollie."

Network Rail says the masts are needed for a new national rail communications system.

The company says it will improve safety by allowing drivers to talk to signallers anywhere on the network.

Network Rail says the masts will improve rail safety

But campaigners are angry the masts do not need planning permission because they are on railway land. "People are very worried and they are beginning to get very angry," said Colin Browne from the Tarka Action Group.

"We are trying to inform people initially and give them a chance to object, that's our principal initial aim."

A Network Rail spokesman said the masts would be as unobtrusive as possible and the frequencies used will be well within international safety standards.

Campaigners are now considering a legal challenge to the plans.