Hundreds of anxious residents packed into a public meeting vowing to fight plans for a 41ft phone mast near their Black Country homes.

Around 300 people turned out to make their feelings known about proposals for the controversial scheme in Hillfields Road, Brierley Hill.

Due to the large number of protesters, last night’s meeting had to be held in three sittings. Councillor Peter Lowe said the huge turnout showed the strength of feeling against the plans by phone giant Telefonica O2 UK.

“More than 700 people have already signed a petition against this phone mast which shows how many people are concerned about what will happen if it is allowed to be built.

“We are in a really strong position to fight this application and that is what we must continue to do,” he added.

The close proximity to homes, health fears and concerns for the safety of pupils at schools near the site, including Peters Hill Primary, were among the issues raised at the meeting, held at the Birch Tree Inn, Amblecote.

Leon Bradshaw, aged 41, a resident of nearby Barbrook Drive, said the mast, which would be built opposite the junction with Oakhill Drive, would be an eyesore.

He added: “This mast would be located near four schools and have major housing estates on four sides, which simply beggars belief.”

An application for the mast has been lodged with Dudley Council and Mr Bradshaw urged people to make their feelings known by writing objection letters.

Grafton Close resident Tom Bass told the meeting: “We will continue to collect signatures for the petition and hope to reach 1,000 in the next few days.”