Village dismay at mast scheme

Controversial plans for a 16.5 metre tall phone mast in a village near Market Drayton have been unveiled by mobile phone giant Vodafone.

The proposed mast would be sited in Betton, alongside three antennas and radio equipment housing, boundary fencing and on site signs.

The news comes as a blow to villagers in Betton and nearby Norton in Hales, who are currently appealing against seven giant wind turbines being sited on land at Bearstone for energy firm Nuon.

An emergency meeting of Norton in Hales Parish Council is expected to be called within the next week.

Alma Finley-Burrows, a Norton in Hales resident, said she was against the mast being sited so near to the village.

She said: "I find it unbelievable. I find it ridiculous. I feel as though as a village we are under attack, we've already got this windfarm hanging over us."

Gareth Hurley, a Norton in Hales parish councillor said: "We have enough on our hands trying to prevent windfarms, so I'd have to look at the plans thoroughly. I'm not particularly in favour of them and they have to be well away from residential dwellings."

North Shropshire District Council is currently considering the plans and is expected to make a decision by March.

Dr Rob Matthews, Vodafone spokesman, said local residents, a ward councillor and the planning authority had all been consulted prior to the application being made this month.