Aug 19 2005

icSolihull, West Midlands

ANGRY Dorridge villagers have hit out after a phone mast was put up above shops in Station Road.

According to homeowners and shopkeepers the new antennas, which have been sited above Arden Buildings have been erected without prior notice.

Rachel Slicer-Watkinson, owner of nearby Rachel's Ladies Boutique, said: "We thought they were making improvements to the roof. None of us were informed."

But Solihull Council say the work relates to an application passed three-years ago.

Dave Wigfield, Enforcement and Monitoring Manager, said: "An application to upgrade existing telecommunications equipment on this building was approved in July 2002. It comprised of six new antennas and four dishes. A site notice was displayed and notification letters were sent to 60 nearby properties.

l Meanwhile Solihull councillor Theresa Tedd is supporting residents fighting to stop a mast nearly 15 metres high being put up at the junction of Streetsbrook Road and Woodlea Drive.

Residents have now set up a task force to resist T-Mobile's proposal.