More than 200 people have signed a petition protesting against plans for a 40ft-tall mobile phone mast near their homes in Bewdley.

They claim the monopole with three antennae, which 02 UK Ltd want to erect on a pavement at Cleobury Road close to its junction with Yew Tree Lane, will stand within 25ft of another existing mast.

The protesters have urged planners to throw out the planning application at a meeting tonight.

A total of 18 letters of objection and a petition with 216 signatures have been forwarded to Wyre Forest District Council claiming the area will “become an eyesore” because of the number of masts.

It will also be close to homes and St Anne’s Church of England First and Middle School.

Petitioners are concerned about possible health hazards and one man says his wife has had trouble sleeping since another mast was installed.

Angela Johnson, spokesman for O2, said: “This new mast fits in with our existing network. Sharing with the other mast down the road is not an option.”

Now council officials have recommended members of the council’s planning development control committee to approve the mast.