RESIDENTS who successfully campaigned against the erection of phone mast last year are angry that the same company is making a second attempt.

Mobile phone giant, 02, has begun pre-planning application consultation for a 12.5 metre mast next to Binders Supermarket in Godson Crescent.

Wyre Forest District Council refused an application from the company for the same site last January.

District councillor, Sue Meekings, who is petitioning against the proposal, said: "We fought strongly against it last year. It was refused and we didn't hear anything more and then, suddenly, it has reared its head again.

"I just think it is absolutely ridiculous that these masts are popping up everywhere."

Councillor Meekings added: "It is in the middle of a residential area, with a school nearby. There is a good mix of the community - young and old. Everybody would be able to see it. People don't want it in the middle of the community. The residents have got my full backing on stopping this once again."

Summer Road resident, Terry Sparkes, who said he believed the mast would be visible from his back garden, added: "I think they shouldn't be put in residential areas. There is plenty of open countryside where they can put them."

Dave Darby, who also lives in Summer Road and campaigned against the previous application, said: "It would overlook my garden. No matter where I stood in my bungalow, it would be looking at me. To stick it smack bang in the middle of a residential area is a disgrace."

For further information about the petition, contact Councillor Meekings on 01562 747404.

Angela Johnson, 02's community relations manager, said the company was making a second attempt to try and complete its network in the town, adding: "We have always had a pretty difficult time trying to complete our network.

"There are a number of areas in Kidderminster where we need coverage to ensure that customers have got mobile phone service so we need these sites. They have to fit in with our existing network. We can't just put them anywhere."