Claims of betrayal as mast erected

Angry campaigners today accused telecommunications giant Vodafone of betrayal after a controversial mobile phone mast was erected on a Telford playing field.

People in the Malinslee area had been in the midst of arranging a meeting with the mobile phone company to see if there were any alternative sites for the mast and to air their concerns about its proposed location near playing fields.

But they discovered this morning that the mast, which has planning permission, had already been put up.

Shaun Davies, a member of Great Dawley Parish Council, said: "We were actively looking with the council at alternative sites and we were going to meet face-to-face about the issue and see if we could find a way forward and now they have put the mast near to the playing field off Dawley Green Way."

But Vodafone today said there was no commitment given to residents or councillors that work to put up the mast would be delayed until after a meeting had been arranged with the parties.

Rob Cruise, of nearby Alma Avenue, said: "We feel totally and utterly betrayed."

He added: "I have had quite a few phone calls from people and they feel exactly the same."

A number of residents were joined by Telford MP David Wright as they gathered at the site today to air their anger and disappointment at the move.

They were today organising an emergency public meeting to discuss what action to take after a controversial mobile phone mast was put up near a Telford playing field and BMX track.

People are being urged to turn out to the parish council offices in Dawley to have their say on the move by Vodafone.

Shaun Davies, a member of Great Dawley Parish Council, said they were inviting Councillor Steve Bentley, from Telford & Wrekin Council, to attend the meeting in Burton Street at 7pm tomorrow to speak to residents.

David Wright MP said: "This is an outrageous move by Vodafone, having pledged to work with the local community."

Councillor Bentley, cabinet member for the environment, said he had been advised that the mast had been installed today.

"Given the situation that I as cabinet member and the administration were placed, in that Vodafone had permission for an application in 2006, I believe our representations on behalf of concerned residents were robust."

However, Councillor Bentley said he found it "disturbing" Vodafone put up the mast, despite a promise from the firm to contact 250 residents in the area and hold a public forum meeting about it.

Rob Matthews, Vodafone spokesman, said today: "We still have not heard from the local councillors concerning the dates upon which the meting could take place.

"Vodafone has a valid planning permission and accordingly have continued with the build process."