ANGRY Burtonwood residents are opposing plans to erect a 25-metre phone mast near to homes - after the previous location was rejected.

Proposals to build an O2 and Vodafone telecommunications pole on Phipps Lane, were withdrawn following objections from ward councillors and residents over health concerns due to the sites close proximity to a school.

However plans for a new site at Burtonwood Community Centre, on Green Jones Brow, may go ahead.

Anne Ritchie, of Fir Tree Lane, said residents were 'never consulted' about the plans to build a mast and called it 'an underhanded way of dealing with such a serious proposal'.

She said: "The only way we found out about the mast was by gossip when we were out together with friends at the community centre.

"Although the community centre committee knew about the mast they didn't have the full details. They weren't even aware that it was 25 metres high - believing it to be much lower.

"The proposal for Phipps Lane was turned down because of its close proximity to the school on Green Lane. It seems quite acceptable however to place it next to the Burtonwood Bulldogs changing room, the centre itself where a youth club for five to 15 year olds and a young persons dance class both meet.”

Mrs Ritchie argued the new mast may also affect property values in the area - as it would be visible from resident’s homes.

Warrington Borough Council determined that planning permission was not required for the phone mast to be built, meaning the proposal fell under permitted development.

However, it said the mast must be erected within the next five years, from November 2017 - if it is to go ahead.

It said residents were notified of plans, and it is 'imperative to consider that this is a replacement mast and not a new additional one in the area'.

No date has been given for work to start, but the community centre committee is planning to hold a meeting with residents and councillors to discuss plans and possible consequences beforehand.