The police station is in a residential area

More than 500 people have signed a petition opposing plans for three digital radio transmitter masts to go above a police station in Birmingham.

Residents fear the controversial Tetra masts could pose a serious health risk if they are installed at Kings Heath police station, which is in the centre of a residential area near two schools.

The digital radio network has been hailed by some as a revolution in police communication.

But officers who trialled it have complained about nausea and headaches.

In 2000, a government scientific report said there was some evidence that the frequencies used by Tetra had a biological effect on human tissue.

Fears over future

Local resident Martin Mullaney said: "They are trying to put a system into an area which has three schools close by and is densely populated.

"We don't want to be in the situation where, 20 years from now, we suddenly discover there has been some serious health implications."

Residents voiced their concerns at a public meeting in the area on Tuesday night.

The planning application for the masts will be considered by Birmingham City Council on Thursday and residents are hoping the council will listent to their concerns.

Last year plans to put a Tetra mast up in Inkberrow in Worcestershire were abandoned following protests.