COUNCILLORS say plans to build a phone mast in a bid to expand network coverage are ill-thought out.

Telefonica UK Ltd has submitted proposals to put up the mast outside Cherry Tree Primary School, in Mersea Road, Colchester.

But Labour councillors Dave Harris, Chris Pearson and Martyn Warnes have urged the company to look at other sites instead of this one.

Mr Harris said: “We recognise the need for a phone aerial in this area, but not at the proposed location.

“The proposal puts the very tall mast on the corner of Cabbage Hall Lane - right where it obstructs visibility for road users.

“It is also right by the school, with unknown effects to school children.

“We do not feel that all options have been explored or exhausted.”

The trio have launched a petition calling on O2 parent company Telefonica - which is also acting with Vodafone - to look at alternate locations, such as Cherry Tree Lane, closer to Friday Woods.

The councillors have “called-in” the application, which means it will be decided at a meeting of Colchester Council planning committee rather than being decided on by the council’s planning officers.

A date for the meetings has yet to be announced.