DUDLEY South MP Ian Pearson has pledged to fight for the removal of a controversial phone mast site in Kingswinford.

Mr Pearson says a massive water tower on the High Acres estate, which provides a platform for over 20 transmitters, should be levelled to make way for a community open space.

Campaigners are demanding the blot on the landscape is removed after an OFCOM investigation proved the site generates significantly more radiation then any other site surveyed in England this year.

Mr Pearson, who is the government's science minister, said: "I am concerned about just how many masts are there, I have already written to the council to check whether planning permission has been granted for all the masts.

"It is an eyesore, I want to push for the water tower to be demolished.

"I am disappointed that, when Severn Trent sold the land, they didn't talk to the local community or me about what to do with it."

Mr Pearson was keen to stress the latest evidence shows no risk to public health from mast radiation.

Residents in streets around the site, who formed an action group to lobby for the tower to be taken down, welcomed the MP's support.

Wendy Baggott, from The High Acres Base Station Mast Action Group, said: "The community is 100 per cent behind him, that is what we want so that we can enjoy the public open space in peace."

Despite assurances the site is safe, many people are wary of the masts and keep their children away from the land surrounding the site.

Meanwhile, Dudley Council says it does not have to keep records of masts in the borough and the site conforms to planning regulations.

A spokesman for Dudley Council said: "Telecoms operators notify the council of their installations, but we are not required by law to maintain a register of masts and other structures.

"A mast on a building does not require planning consent if it does not exceed the height of a 30 metre building by more than 10 metres or by eight metres on a building 15-30 metres.

"A free standing mast requires permission if it exceeds 15 metres, not including the antenna.

"We have carried out checks at the High Acres water tower and all the equipment meets the legal requirements. However, any additional equipment would need planning permission.

"We make every effort to provide public information to people on request."