Fears of big legal bill in mast row

Telford & Wrekin Council could face legal action and a bill of more than £100,000 if it breaks a contract with phone giant Vodafone over a controversial mast in the town, it was claimed today.Council bosses are looking for an alternative site after a public outcry over plans to put up a mobile phone mast close to Malinslee Playing Fields.

Vodafone was granted permission two years ago by Telford & Wrekin Council but a BMX track has since been built on the playing fields. Residents called on the borough council to rethink its decision.

Great Dawley parish councillor Shaun Davies previously asked how much it would cost the council to tear up the contract.

Councillor Steve Bentley, of Telford & Wrekin Council, said today: "We have also looked closely at the 10-year legal agreement made with Vodafone under the previous Labour administration to place the mast on council-owned land.

"Ripping this up would leave the council open to the possibility of legal action and to repay costs so far incurred on installing the mast that may run up a bill of over £100,000."

Dr Rob Matthews, for Vodafone, has previously said all of their stations were designed, built and operated in accordance with stringent international guidelines.