Nidderdale Today

PLANS to erect a near 50ft mobile phone mast at an accident blackspot near Masham have sparked protests from local councillors.

They say the idea for the pitchfork monopole would not fit in with major safety improvements already planned by North Yorkshire County Council.

Mobile phone company Airwave MM02 has tabled a planning application to erect the mast at the junction where the Ripon and Thirsk roads meet just outside Masham, near the former railway station.

It is believed that the mast is part of improvements to police communications in the county.

But the application has brought strong protests from Masham Parish Council, whose vice-chairman, Coun Mrs Flo Grainger has already been in contact with agents for the plan.

"They are aware of the road improvements which are planned and say it would not interfere with the development," she said.

But Coun Grainger said local people were "absolutely horrified" by the scheme which would spoil a famous view of Masham when approaching down the road from Thirsk.

Masham Parish Council chairman Coun Andy Burrell added: "We couldn't object more strongly. Even if the road improvements were not planned that would not be the place for this."

Airwave MM02 has applied to Harrogate Borough Council to erect the pole in a grass verge opposite Low Burton Hall.

Representations about the mast should be sent to the Chief Planning Officer at Harrogate Borough Council, Knapping Mount, Harrogate , by December 26.

11 November 2005