Residents will fight new plan for mast

Residents who battled plans to install a mobile phone mast in Shrewsbury more than 18 months ago have warned the mobile phone giant behind new plans they "have a fight on their hands".

Last year protesters successfully stopped plans by phone giant O2 to erect a 12.5 metre antenna near their homes in Copthorne.

But councillor Judith Williams last week received a letter from rival firm Vodafone stating its intention to use the site for its mast.

Dr Jon Sharp, of Shrewsbury Chiropractic Clinic in Copthorne Road, said: "We fought the last phone mast and we will fight this one too.

"When 02 tried to put one there 18 months ago there was such fierce opposition that Vodafone would be very foolish to even consider it."

02 was granted planning permission for their mast in February last year. But after receiving a 950-signature petition from protesters and witnessing more than 200 residents taking to the streets to complain about proposals, the company pulled out in March 2007.

Vodafone's proposal would comprise of a 12m-high street furniture column and equipment cabinet to be installed close to the junction of Copthorne Road and Copthorne Park.

A public meeting will be held in the Darwin Community Centre, in Frankwell, on Thursday at 6pm to allow residents to discuss the new proposals and decide on their future actions.