Residents in Headington, Oxford, have criticised a mobile phone company for the way it is consulting them over masts and dishes they fear will create a health hazard and an eyesore.

Residents said publicity information was full of technical jargon and they were not given enough notice of a consultation meeting planned for today.

They also said independent health experts and advisors should have been lined up to attend the meeting, which is being held New Marston First School, Copse Lane, at 4.30pm.

Hutchison 3G managers said they could give only a week's notice because they had problems finding a venue. They would also provide World Health Organisation leaflets to address radiation fears.

The company wants to install masts and dishes at an existing telephone exchange in London Road, as part of the new network.

Bob Clarke, 70, of Beech Road, Headington, said: "People around here are worried about this. It could make Headington look like an industrial waste ground. The company have sent me nine sheets of information and it is all technical jargon."

Headington ward city councillor Stephen Tall said: "Hutchison 3G has only given short notice of this meeting.

"There was a mail drop last Wednesday, but people need more than a week's notice."

Stephen Arnold, a spokesman for Crown Castle which will own and operate the site for Hutchison 3G, said: "What concerns us is that we have not received any complaints. Residents are contacting the press before they contact us."

Jonathan Walton, regional community affairs manager for Hutchison 3G said: "We haven't even applied for planning permission yet, we want to talk to residents and get their views first.

"We do normally give two weeks' notice of meetings, but we had problems finding a venue."

Anyone worried about the proposals could call the Hutchison 3G on 0845 6043000.