PLANS to site a phone mast near a war memorial and conservation area has caused a protest among nearby residents.

Angry Accrington residents in Hollins Lane and Royds Avenue discovered Vodafone and O2’s proposal to erect the mast outside the back entrance to Oak Hill Park after seeing workers digging in the area.

Though an official application has not been submitted, workers from the company have been in the area testing the site’s suitability on roadside verges.

It is not yet known how high any proposed mast would be, or what it would look like.

Residents and councillors say any proposal is 'totally unsuitable' for the Christchurch Conservation Area, yards from Lee Royd Nursery School and Woodnook School and within yards of Oak Hill Park Cenotaph.

Ward councillor Paul Barton said: “It’s a total joke.

"Residents who are with O2 say their service is fine in this area.

"There is also a phone mast 400 yards away that they could use instead. It is crazy.”

Christchurch Conservation Area Residents and Friends Association is leading the campaign against the mast.

Andrea Bentham from the association said: “People think it is very disrespectful to the war memorial and are worried about the effects on the health of young children. It is totally unsuitable.”

A spokesman for O2 and Vodafone said any structure would comply with international guidelines.

He said: "We do endeavour to select sites that are suitable for all concerned - customers, the planning authority, and residents.

"However, we understand that residents will sometimes have concerns."