Protestors are now considering their next move

People living at Gilfachreda, two miles east of New Quay claim that the frequencies used by the mast could cause a problem.

More than 30 protestors gathered to protest at Ceredigion county hall at Aberaeron before a planning meeting.

But councillors voted in favour of placing the mast on farmland a few hundred yards from the village.

We know we can't break the law so the meeting will explore our options in taking our protest a stage further in a legal way Kevin Jones, protestor

On Thursday night protestors will meet to decide their next step.

"There is a lot of fear in the village about this mast and its position will also reduce the value of people's homes," said one, Kevin Jones.

Sabotaged

"Nine of these masts around Britain have been sabotaged and people in this area also feel very strongly against the mast."

The application by AirwavemmO2 received 40 letters of objections from local people, and a petition with 523 names.

"We know we can't break the law so the meeting will explore our options in taking our protest a stage further in a legal way," said Mr Jones.

The Tetra radio network, which is being installed for 29 police forces in the UK, offers better coverage than mobile phones as well as secure high-quality transmissions.

The mast will be erected a few hundred metres from the village

Residents across Britain have campaigned against the masts as they believe the technology used in them can cause cancer and interfere with the body's natural internal communication mechanisms, leading to ill health.

Local county councillor Eurfyl Evans abstained from voting at the planning meeting, which passed the application by 10 votes to six.

"In many ways this was a fait accompli because our hands were tied on planning grounds," said Mr Evans.

"I abstained because I have every sympathy with the protestors, although I believe mobile phones are more dangerous to young people's health than these masts."

Ceredigion planning officer Richard Williams said: "Sympathy must be felt to the concerns expressed by members of the public regarding the health issue.

"However, there is no evidence to suggest that the output from the base station would present a danger to health.

"The provision of effective emergency service communication is essential."