One of Abingdon's oldest churches could have a telecommunications mast put on top of its tower - but disguised as a flagpole.

There are plans to rent the tower to a company to help pay for the upkeep of the 12th century St Nicolas church.

Out of 128 letters sent to residents and business only three people responded. One objected, one supported the proposal while another one was worried about the impact on television reception.

The antennas would be mounted within a flagpole that would protrude about four metres above the parapet of the tower.

The mast would host one mobile operator, O2.

One of the major concerns over telecommunication masts is radiation but the company involved in the installation of equipment QS4 Ltd says the mast presents no risk to health.

Company spokesman John Swain said: "Audits of existing masts show that emissions are under the Government and internationally agreed safety limits by thousands of units."

But these assurances failed to satisfy the lone objector, Michael Harrison from Stert Street who lives in the shadow of St Nicolas Church. He said: "People who live and work near the church don't necessarily accept Government assurances of safety..

"While I recognise that St Nicolas needs to boost its income, there must be better and kindlier ways of achieving this goal."

If the project is approved by the Vale of White Horse District Council and the Oxford Diocese, work on installing the equipment would start later this year. The church and QS4 declined to say how much rent would be paid. The vicar, the Rev Dr Peter Doll, said: "The income from renting the tower would be of great value to the church."