COUNTY residents say a mobile phone mast near their home is disrupting their sleep.

Marden couple Steve and Gill Williams are so concerned they’ve hired specialists to measure the levels of high-frequency radiation coming from the transmitter which was built on the nearby recreation ground in 2017.

High-frequency electromagnetic fields are used in a variety of everyday technologies such as mobile phones, base stations, Wi-Fi, radio, TV, magnetic resonance imaging equipment and for heating like in microwave ovens.

But specialists detected readings of 3600 microvolts in the couple’s bedroom and the device maxed-out at 9000mv when used outside.They say a safe limit for a sleeping environment is 150.

“It’s very worrying,” Mr Williams said.

“Since the mast was built, I just can’t sleep. All of us are experiencing it but I’ve been affected the most.”

“The thing is ordinary people don’t know the effects of these masts and they are putting up them up everywhere.”

A Herefordshire Council spokesman said they have commissioned independent specialists to review the mast.

“The planning application to construct this mast went through the proper process, being granted approval in 2017 as it conformed to the nationally accepted safety requirements,” he said.

“Due to recent local concern, as a precautionary measure the council has asked for the matter to be reviewed by independent specialists and a response will be made available in due course.”

A spokesperson for Cornerstone, who are responsible for the mast, said Vodafone and O2 customers expect to be able to use their mobiles where they live, work and travel.

“Base stations are low powered devices which cover approximately half a mile in radius, therefore we have to put base stations close to our customers,” she said.