PROPOSALS to put a 15 metre “eyesore” phone mast slap bang next to a family health hub and school in Hasbury have sparked objections.

Vodafone wants to remove an existing 11.4 metre mast next to Huntingtree Primary and the hub at Huntingtree Park and replace it with a 15 metre tower.

Dudley Council turned down the initial application to put a mast on Huntingtree Road after scores of objections but the decision was overruled by the planning inspectorate at Bristol and Vodafone was given the go-ahead.

Now the plan to install an even larger mast has led to objections from residents and councillors.

Gavin Dring, of Bournes Hill, said: “Am I the only person who sees the irony of spending thousands of pounds building a community health hub, then installing a 15 metre high super powerful 3G mobile phone mast directly in front of it?

“It’s going to be in front of a recreational area for children and a primary school.

“These masts before and they are huge industrial looking eyesores and will not be in keeping with the newly refurbished beauty spot.

“Areas that should be considered are large industrial estates that already have furniture of a similar nature.”

Councillor Ken Turner said: “Whilst being assured of the safety of these things, I want cast iron proof and there isn’t that proof.”

Outdoor gym equipment, a multi-use games area and a community building was installed at Huntingtree Park as part of Dudley Council’s £4.5m battle against childhood obesity. The park also has two healthy town park rangers.

A spokesperson for Vodafone said: ““Base stations are low powered devices which only cover approximately half a mile in radius and therefore we have to put base stations close to our customers.

“We need to improve the 3G coverage to our customers in Hasbury and have proposed to upgrade an existing base station on Huntingtree Road."