Phone firms to appeal over Telford masts refusal

Mobile phone giants Vodafone and O2 will appeal to government inspectors in a bid to build two controversial 48ft masts in Telford.

Planning permission for the masts, in Priorslee and Old Park, was rejected by Telford & Wrekin Council's plans board in January following objections from hundreds of homeowners.

The two mobile phone companies have appealed and a final verdict will be made by an independent government inspector.

Residents have until Friday to raise any objections with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles.

Paul Edwards, of Old Park Residents Association, said: "Most of the housing around here is young families, if there is a health risk they are most likely so suffer. Until we know absolutely there isn't a problem we should be cautious.

Vodafone say the masts are needed because of more people using hi-tech iPhones and Blackberrys.

Telford & Wrekin Council Councillor Jayne Greenway said she was calling for residents to object in writing.