Local people have campaigned to keep the mast away

Demonstrators had already erected a shed at the entrance to the site next to Talywain Rugby Club in Pontypool.

They manned the protest line throughout Friday night after hearing work on the Vodafone mast would begin.

Vodafone said it had legal permission to build on the site but could give no assurances when work would start.

But despite the all night presence of the protestors, no contractors appeared on Saturday to start work.

The campaigners have said they now intend to have a constant presence on the protest line.

They are objecting to the mast on health grounds and have said that they are seeking a judicial review over the plans.

Cath Gullick, who represents the protesters, said they wanted all of the issues to be discussed before any work was carried out on the site.

"There are a number of issues which we want to see resolved before any work begins," she said.

Masts have proved controversial across the UK

"We are concerned about several things including the health issues of putting a mast on a site which is close to residential properties.

"We just want these matters sorted out before any preparatory work takes place."

She said that since the first protest on 6 June where residents prevented contractors from entering the site of the planned mast, they have maintained a continued presence at the site.

"There is such strong feeling about this whole matter," she added.

Opinion split

Vodafone said it had planning permission from Torfaen council to erect the 15m mast at the site and to provide a service for the local people who use mobile phones.

A spokeswoman said that the start time of the work was dependent upon the contractors.

People in a number of areas across the UK have complained about masts amid concern over possible health risks.

Last month the UK government announced new research into their location, as well as mobile phone technology.

Scientific opinion is split, and the National Radiological Protection Board has urged more research into masts.