BOSSES of a mobile phone giant have gone back on their word after telling residents they would not set up a phone mast in their neighbourhood.

O2 began installing antennae on top of a factory in Albert Road, Wood Green, on Sunday without consulting residents who strongly opposed the proposal 18 months ago. Up to 300 people mounted a petition which prompted O2 to back down and search for another site.

Residents are angry the firm has returned and have branded the move 'cynical' and 'underhand'.

O2, which is set to install six antennae on the chimney piece of a factory, claim it does not need planning permission from Haringey Council.

Resident Neil Hadfield said: "This was a very cloak and dagger operation and we feel as if we have been bullied. O2 knew the extent of feeling against the plan and it has still gone ahead with it."

Mr Hadfield and neighbours are concerned about health implications linked to phone masts. The antennae will be situated near Rhodes Avenue Primary School and Alexandra Park School.

He added: "I have carried out research on this topic and there is no conclusion. In a cynical world we are nervous about health implications. We just don't know what could happen 20 years down the line and what O2 may do on the site as technology develops."

Up to 50 residents demanded answers from Jim Stevenson, O2 regional communications manager, when they called an emergency meeting on Tuesday.

It was attended by Cllr Wayne Hoban and chaired by Hornsey and Wood Green MP Barbara Roche who believes O2 has behaved "outrageously'. The MP was disappointred with Mr Stevenson's response.

Mr Stevenson said he strongly refuted the suggestion that O2 had behaved badly.

He said: "Residents were informed of the plan 18 months ago. O2 was looking at several different sites in the area but we weren't able to find anything.

"We are concerned people are upset but we would say there are no health and safety reports at the moment that are causing any concern for us."

A council spokesman said Haringey Council was investigating.

Meanwhile residents plan to form a human chain outside the site on Sunday and will hold another public meeting on Thursday, November 6.