ANGRY residents and parish leaders in Thelwall are joining forces in a bid to stop a telephone mast from being extended in their village.

Crown Castle Investments has put forward proposals to boost the phone mast on the top of the British Legion building on Stockport Road by two-and-a-half metres.

But residents are concerned that more dishes may be placed on the mast and they are worried about the effect this may have on their health and the conservation area.

Parish Clr Ted Lafferty, who has already received a number of complaints from anxious neighbours, said: "I feel very strongly about this.

"I am a member of the club and I know it needs the finance but there must be another way of raising the money.

"I have had one complaint from one neighbour who applied for a small extension but got knocked back because it was on the green belt but they are putting this through. The public in general are not happy about it."

Letters were sent to residents living near to the club to make them aware of the plans before Christmas.

They have 21 days to put their objections in writing, and any correspondence will be passed to a borough council case officer, who will decide whether to approve the scheme. A decision is expected on January 19.