RESIDENTS are protesting against the siting of mobile phone masts near their homes.

People living in Barlbro Place, Milnsbridge, say at least one of the masts at the Old Goods Yard off Scar Lane is illegal.

The yard lies at the bottom of a hill, while Barlbro Place is near the top.

There are currently four mobile phone masts in the yard.

The most recent to be put up is owned by Vodafone, which applied to increase its height on September 1.

The application was refused by Kirklees Council but residents say Vodafone went ahead and increased the height.

Residents say the mast is too high and ruins the view from their homes.

They are also worried about health risks, as the masts are close to their houses and a children's play area.

Deborah Wright, who owns a house on Barlbro Place, said: "It is right outside my kitchen window. We do not believe it's going to be temporary. They shouldn't be allowed to just put them wherever they feel like.

"What's the point of refusing planning permission when they put it up anyway?"

The other three phone masts are owned by O2 and Orange. The O2 mast was erected 18 months ago.

At the time, residents thought it was going to be there for only six months.

The other two masts have been up for roughly two years.

Mrs Wright, her husband and their two children have now moved to Side Lane at Longwood but are still fighting the issue because they are trying to sell their Milnsbridge house.

Mrs Wright said: "We've got a buyer but I'm worried they are going to see this and not want to buy."

Kirklees Council development control manager Edward Wills said Vodafone's application to increase the mast height was refused because councillors felt it would be detrimental to the appearance of the area.

They also felt it could lead to an increase in the perceived harm to the health of local residents.

Mr Wills added: "Vodafone has not been given permission to erect it.

"An enforcement officer has visited the site and it is not in the same position as the one which was refused.

"It is in a worse one, much closer to housing. Vodafone are claiming that it is justified as an emergency.

"We are taking legal advice but it is likely that we will contest this point.

"The council takes this very seriously. It will take enforcement action against unauthorised developments."

Vodafone did not have anyone available to comment.