CAMPAIGNERS calling for the demolition of the High Acres tower have won support from a leading American scientist.

Dr George Carlo is a globally recognised expert on the effects of radiation from mobile phone masts who advises the World Health Organisation and US Congress.

The researcher, lawyer and author has pledged his support to residents in High Acres who say radio waves from phone masts on the massive disused water tower may be putting lives at risk.

Dr Carlo said: “The scientific facts are clear that danger looms for users of wireless devices, those who live in the vicinity of wireless infrastructure and the general public.”

He told the High Acres campaigners: “It is a mistake to subject the residents of your community to the dangers attendant to the provision of wireless service that goes far beyond your community usage or need.”

Dr Carlo is set to meet members of the The High Acres Base Station Mast Action Group during a visit to London for an international conference on health and mobile technology in September.

Mast campaigner Wendy Baggott believes Dr Carlo’s support is a big boost for the drive to demolish the tower.

Mrs Baggott said: “This really is wonderful news, we are honoured and privileged to receive an offer of help to our community from Dr Carlo.”

Another big name to back the campaign is Alasdair Philips, director of Powerwatch, an independent pressure group which has been researching wireless radiation for 20 years.

Alasdair Philips said: “In my opinion, it is inexcusable that the Health Protection Agency are keeping the lid on this vital debate by continuing to say that mobile phones and masts are completely safe, when it is clear to many of us who study the scientific reports that we should be far more precautionary in our use of this technology.

“I have good reason to believe that they are doing this because the Government is currently earning about £20bn per year in tax revenue from mobile communications and they see short-term income as more important than long-term health of the population.

“This happened before in the 1950s regarding the hazards of smoking. It is happening again now.”