FURIOUS villagers have hit out at a decision to build a phone mast in Knuzden.

The 50ft mast which was applied for by BT Cellnet will be built in open countryside off Haslingden Old Road but its proximity to St Oswald's School and nearby houses has angered locals.

Legislation states that the only grounds for turning down a mast is if it would affect visual amenities. Health grounds cannot be taken into account.

And because the mast, originally planned as an 'electric pylon-style' called a trellis, has now been replaced with a slim pole, the proposal was accepted by Hyndburn Council's Development Committee.

Graham Barnes, headteacher of St Oswalds, was among the objectors.

David Darcy, of Haslingden Old Road, added: "We have been gagged. We have no say and that is why people lose faith in democracy."

Councillor John Griffiths said: "This problem always comes back to health and safety but legislation says that we can object to a mast only if it would affect visual amenities.

"If we did took health into account, the decision would be overturned by the planning inspectorate."

A group of Knuzden residents will hold a meeting tomorrow with Hyndburn MP Greg Pope to discuss the matter further.