Great Harwood residents have accused a telecommunications company of putting up a "monstrosity" 6G mast without consulting them.

They said Blackburn firm IX Wireless installed the 6G mast two weeks ago and claimed it provided no clear information that the work would proceed.

Plans to install the mast were previously approved by Hyndburn Council.

Residents near the site, in Bostons, are concerned the new development will "seriously devalue their homes", calling the mast an "eyesore".

Danielle Patchett, a resident in the street, said: “The overall hope is that it gets removed as it is a monstrosity.

“I appreciate there are evolving technologies, and we have to put up with and do use these services but the housing being devalued is concerning.”

She also raised fears about the impact on people's health, despite there being no evidence of the masts causing any health concerns.

The community have written to the local council, which previously granted permission for the structure to be built, but only up to 15m.

Whilst the mast is just below this height now, an additional antenna is expected to be added which will take it above the proposed height, residents claim.

Hyndburn Council have spoken to the company, and they are requested to respond by Monday.

Having spoken to a worker installing the mast Danielle claimed that a “spider web” of wires is expected to be installed which she thinks could lead to further "light intrusion".

Some residents were told of the work taking place, it is claimed, but residents allege the explanation of the extent of the work was not made clear and not every homeowner was informed.

Danielle added: “The tiny things haven’t been consistent.

"I had not had any information through my door but one of my neighbours did so some of us weren’t even told what was going on.

“They were cutting around and getting you to sign up prior to it being erected. The further on in the process, the harder the battle is for us to get it removed. It was all very sneaky.”

Emma, another homeowner in the area, was told in a prior notification that it would be built opposite her house, but claims instead it was erected directly outside.

When raising the issue with the company, she claims they replied: “If it wasn’t you, it would be somebody else.”

The issue has also been raised to MPs Sarah Smith for Hyndburn and Blackburn's Adnan Hussain.

IX Communications has previously faced an investigation from Bolton Council after similar masts appeared across Bolton earlier this year, and last year public protests were held in the town centre, Harwood and Bromley Cross.

Hyndburn Council and IX Communications have been contacted for comment.