A controversial mobile phone mast will be built in the centre of Bridgnorth after being passed at an appeal hearing despite public concerns, it was revealed today.

Plans to install the mast on top of the New Road telephone exchange were refused by councillors in February.

But they have now been passed at a planning appeal - much to the surprise of residents and councillors.

People living around the telephone exchange made their views against the mast clear, but an appeal on August 24 went against Bridgnorth Town Council and the district council's decisions and granted permission.

The application is by telecommunication company "3" to install a flagpole, housing three antennae, on the telephone exchange to boost signals for mobile phone users.

Town and district councillor, Brian Jones, said he was very disappointed with the outcome of the appeal.

"It is almost literally through the back door," he said.

The full version of this story appears in the Bridgnorth edition of tonight's Shropshire Star.

http://www.shropshirestar.com/show_article.php?aID=37489