Anger over disguised phone masts

Amid the ancient groves they stick out like a sore thumb: they appear to be two coniferous trees in the deciduous woodland of Epping Forest.

They are, of course, not real trees but mobile phone masts in disguise. And the prospect of the 21st-century phenomenon intruding on the calm of the historic forest is angering residents.

But today Vodafone defended their controversial plan for the masts, now being considered by local councillors.

The phone giant wants the masts to improve mobile coverage in the area. Another option is for a joint base station with five other phone companies in an area of the forest known as The Warren.

Similar "tree" masts are dotted around the country, including one that has been on the M4 near Newbury for eight years. Vodafone has also used fake cypress trees as masts in villages.

But John Eaton, 60, from nearby village Theydon Bois, mocked the false trees. He said: "There is one on the M25 near Brentwood and it looks like a fake cactus. They are dreadful, and nothing like trees." He said he would prefer concealed telegraph poles in the forest. "Masts are a necessary evil but they should be placed away from places of beauty," he added.

Leslie Jerman, 83, said Vodafone was being misguided, adding: "Putting false coniferous 25-metre trees in a deciduous forest and fencing them off would look ridiculous. But I'm told landowners get ?10,000 a year in rent for allowing a small plot of land to be used."

There are more than 40,000 masts in the UK and campaigners-fear 100,000 more will be built for third generation mobile phones. Some studies have linked masts to cancers and tumours, though phone firms deny this.

Vodafone spokeswoman Jane Frapwell said: "If you break down in Epping Forest in the dark the chances are you won't get a signal.

"I believe we have come to a good solution in conjunction with the local councils and the superintendent of the forest."

Epping Forest District council said the application should be considered in December.