FURIOUS residents have formed a round-the-clock human shield in a bid to stop the erection of a mobile phone mast close to their homes.

The 20-strong group has vowed "we will not be moved" and will stay put "as long as it takes" until mobile phone giant Vodafone backs down from its plans to erect the mast in Cornmeadow Lane, Claines.

Speaking on behalf of the Claines Residents' Association, chairman Dr Malcolm Nixon said they were protesting because they had not been consulted about the mast - discovering it by "total accident" when the cranes moved in on Wednesday night.

Vodafone claims it does not need to seek planning permission or consultation, as the 15-foot mast is temporary and will be removed in three to four months.

Worcester City Council planners say the company should have sought planning approval, but failed to do so.

"We are concerned that the company will be encouraged to try and do this again and again unless we do something about it, Dr Nixon said.

"It will be an absolute eyesore that will be impossible to conceal in a beautiful countryside area.

"But, most critically, we are worried about the serious health implications involved. This is next to a footpath used by schoolchildren and near homes."

Angered that farmer Peter Philips has allowed the mast on his Church Farm land, Dr Nixon added: "The small rental he will gain from this doesn't equate to the pain and grief it will cause us."

City council planning chief Peter Yates said there were circumstances where masts From p1/ can be erected without approval, but only in emergencies. "We are yet to be convinced that is the case here," he added.

He said mobile phone companies, including Vodafone, had signed a "10 Commitments" agreement, stating they would consult residents. It had "failed to and it puts them in a very bad light."

The firm now has 28 days to seek approval, he added.

Worcester Labour MP Michael Foster backed the residents, adding the city council's local development plan has unused planning permission to build a mast above a building in Droitwich Road that would be a more suitable location.

So far the group has managed to thwart Vodafone's efforts, despite the police being called to intervene.

A spokeswoman said: "We do appreciate the residents concerns, but this is temporary.

"We are working with the council to look at a permanent site, but meanwhile we will be building the mast where planned."

Farm owner Mr Philips was unavailable for comment when the Evening News went to press.