FURIOUS residents are protesting against plans to put a mobile phone mast outside a Huddersfield pub.

Mobile phone firm O2 has applied to Kirklees Council to put a 15-metre high transmission mast outside the Junction pub at Westbourne Road, Marsh.

It is the second time an application has been lodged to put the mast on the pavement outside the pub.

The original application was put in by Hutchinson 3G, for a 12.5-metre mast in a similar position.

This plan was refused on November 13.

Councillors said the mast would look bad in the conservation area, which takes in New North Road and Greenhead Park, and also clutter the pavement.

Their second reason for refusal was that Hutchinson 3G did not provide enough information about their overall plans for developing mobile phone coverage in the area.

There was also objection to the original plans from residents.

Junction landlady Emily Scott led the protests and collected 200 signatures on a petition.

The new application by O² has been met with similar hostility.

Mrs Scott is furious. She said that between the two formal applications O² had approached her, then the pub's owners, Enterprise Inns, asking to put a mast inside the pub's chimney.

She said: "I refused the offer and so did Enterprise, after consulting me.

"There are a lot of reasons why I don't want it. It would be an eyesore, for a start. Surely there is somewhere unpopulated where a mast wouldn't affect anyone.

"Also, last time they applied seven doctors signed the petition. They said there was no proof masts were harmful but there was no proof they weren't. I have two small children and I don't want to take the risk."

She is also unhappy about the wording of the new application poster. She says it implies that the mast would be at the Junction, rather than the pavement.

Mrs Scott said: "People are accusing me of condoning this. I do not want a mast."

She has collected 60 signatures on a new petition against the mast. Local residents are supporting her.

Ward councillors Mehboob Khan, Mohan Sokhal and Annie Smith have collected 500 signatures of objectors.

Clr Khan said: "We are annoyed that we have to spend time fighting the same application again. It does not fit planning policy.

"The mast would be an eyesore," he added.

"It also has an effect on local residents and Mrs Scott's business. It is not needed, as residents say there is no problem with phone reception."