COUNCILLORS are angry over plans to install another phone mast in Braintree.

District councillors in Braintree east have received letters about Vodafone’s proposal to put a 10metre high radio base station between the junction of Clay Pits and the A131.

The letter from Waldon Telecoms,on behalf of the mobile phone company, said there was a deficiency in 3G coverage across the area that did not meet Vodafone’s statutory obligations.

But councillor Jennifer Smith said she had researched the subject and found that 3G masts need a higher microwave level and need to be located close to densely populated areas.

She said: “I’ve got grandchildren so I have got concerns on a personal basis, as everyone has with these things. You just don’t know what this new technology does, otherwise there wouldn’t be so much controversy about it.”

Concerns were also raised by councillors Elwyn Bishop, Eric Lynch and Wendy Schmitt.

See full story in today's Braintree and Witham Times.