MOBILE phone giant Vodafone has been accused of a 'cynical ploy' to get councillors to allow a mast in Trawden.

Pendle Council leader Alan Davies was angry that the company had taken a photograph from an angle designed to trick them into thinking the nine-metre-high mast on fields next to Peter Laithe Farm in Foulds Road would not appear on the skyline.

Colne and District area committee were told they only had one chance to discuss the application.

Coun Davies (Boulsworth) said: "I think we are being cynically deceived.

"This photograph has been taken from a point 50 metres higher than the main road site. This shows the mast does not appear on the skyline.

"If you get down to the main road there is absolutely no doubt whatsoever that in direct line of sight that mast will be standing on the skyline. It angers me."

Leyland Close resident Alan Vince handed in a petition with 357 signatures objecting to the proposed mast and said it had caused 'a great deal of anguish' to the community.

Vodafone's application was turned down.