A MOBILE phone mast put up without permission could stay for a year if the firm responsible decides to appeal against an order to take it down.

Telecommunications giant Vodafone is being served with an enforcement notice to remove the mast at Salwarpe after councillors refused a retrospective planning application.

Residents thought they had won the battle and the mast would now be removed, but are furious it could stay for another 12 months pending the result of any appeal.

"We would like this thing down as soon as possible," said Salwarpe resident Professor David London.

"It is a nasty bit of industrial furniture on a rural landscape. This is a leisure route through Salwarpe, which is a conservation area."

Prof London said that residents were angry that the mast was put up in October without permission and without any consultation.

Wychavon councillors refused the retrospective application on Thursday, January 13 because of alterations made to the mast, which were deemed to be detrimental to the surrounding area.

Councillors joined the residents' campaign, with district councillor Andrew Christian-Brookes vowing to ditch his Vodafone phone in protest at the company's actions.

"As the mast was put up illegally and enforcement is about to be served, I would hope Vodafone will negotiate with the council in finding a better site and remove the existing mast immediately," said Coun Christian-Brookes.

A Vodafone spokesman said the company had not yet decided whether to appeal as it was still examining the reasons for refusal.