THE extension of an existing mobile phone mast in Bewdley would be "totally out of place in the area", it has been claimed.

A 12.5 metre mast, owned by Orange, currently stands on land next to The Racks.

An application, submitted by OPCS Ltd, intends to extend the telecommunication mast for an 18 metre high cypress tree mast and additional equipment cabinets, which will be shared with 02.

At a meeting of the town council's planning committee, councillors supported a recommendation for refusal.

Chairman, Tony Williams (Health concern), said: "It's totally out of place in the area and I can only go with the recommendation for refusal."

Last month, the Shuttle/Times & News reported that angry Bewdley residents, whose properties overlook the mast, had organised a petition against the plans amid fears it would ruin their health.

The householders formed action group, Campaign Against Racks Mast Association - CARMA - to try and halt the extension plans.

People can sign the petition against the mast by e-mailing swaffieldhelen@yahoo.co.uk