PROPOSALS to place a 60ft high mast in front of houses in Cradley has been branded “stupid” by a local Labour councillor.

Councillor Tim Crumpton has been in discussions with Dudley Council officers and EE about the proposed communications pole, which is currently housed on Chaucer House flats in Severn Road.

The phone company plans to replace the current 110ft mast with a smaller 60ft one to be placed on a small section of land at the corner of Foxcote Lane, Two Gates and Whynot Street.

A public meeting is also set to take place at the Whynot Inn on Wednesday (April 11) from 6.30pm where residents can have their say about the mast plans.

Cllr Crumpton, who has received concerns from local residents about the plans, said the move would be a “very controversial suggestion and one that I object to”, adding: “All too often masts have been placed in stupid places.”

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He said: “I have also found out that someone in Dudley Council has made a policy decision to have all such masts removed. EE have been advised to go back to the council by their consultant and ask that the masts can remain on Chaucer House as he accepts that the proposed site is not appropriate.

“I have emailed the Housing Director to ask what is going on as neither I nor my fellow councillors have been consulted about the policy to take the masts off the flats.

“We have never had any concerns expressed about these by residents on the contrary they have welcomed the fact that a portion of the rent paid goes towards improvements in the flats and surrounding area.

“I will be demanding that the masts do stay and will keep residents updated. I do hope that common sense prevails and we do not have an unnecessary fight against a mast on our hands.”

Concerned residents can contact Cllr Crumpton on 07853 243692 or by emailing tcrumpton@blueyonder.co.uk.