Star power vs the mobile mast firm

On one side are the multinational phone giants, aiming to improve coverage for millions of customers. On the other side are parents and residents concerned about the health risks to themselves and their children.

Usually it is the mobile firms who triumph but in the case of one protest in Hampstead, residents were given a boost when they were joined by Cat Deeley, Helena Bonham Carter and Emma Thompson.

And star power seems to have won the day: the campaigners have persuaded legendary music producer Sir George

Martin to pull out of a possible deal with Hutchison - the firm behind the

3 network - to put a mast on the roof of his famous Air Studios.

Hutchison, however, said Sir George's decision was not the end of its plans to locate a mast in the area. Gareth

Coombes-Olney, Hutchison 3G community affairs manager, said: "It would have meant that it was invisible. Now we will have to find another place that may be more visible."

The plan to erect the mast sparked anger in the community, with residents furious about how close it would be to four schools. And when they canvassed neighbours to join the campaign, they found they had the signatures of TV presenter Deeley and actresses Bonham Carter and Thompson. Bonham Carter, 38, told the residents: "I agree with the protest against these masts. No one really knows what effect they could have on people's health."

Deeley, 28, said: "No one knows whether these masts are dangerous but with little children around you cannot take the risk." It has been claimed radiation from the

masts increases the risk of cancer, sleep disorder and memory loss.

Air Studios has been used by musicians such as Robbie Williams and U2.

When the campaigners raised their fears to Sir George, he ended talks with Hutchison. The parents of children at the four local schools - Rosary Roman Catholic Primary, Hampstead Hill, Lyndhurst House and St Christopher's School - were overjoyed by the result.