ANGRY residents are determined to scotch plans by a mobile phone company to build a mast in their picturesque village.

People in Abberley claim that One to One's application notice was torn down after one day, leaving villagers in the dark about the proposals.

Residents only have until tomorrow to object to the scheme, which Malvern Hills District Council said had "a good chance" of being approved.

Roger Palmer, who is spearheading the campaign, hopes every villager will sign a petition objecting to the mast planned for the old cricket pitch next to Stockton Road.

They believe the mast could be between eight and 20 metres high with a cabinet around it and a fenced compound around that.

Some villagers, he said, were even considering moving house.

"A notice appeared on the gate one day and was taken down very quickly," said Mr Palmer, who has lived in the village for 26 years.

"We now only have a few days to get our objections into the council.

"We're extremely worried about the health issues since the mast will be sited 10 metres from three new houses.

"It will be a monstrous eyesore."

Paul Leopold, clerk of Abberley Parish Council, said feelings were running high.

"Our annual meeting was packed with people concerned about the mast," said Mr Leopold.

"We've already had one application from One to One which was turned down because it contained some errors.

"They want to put the mast in an area of great landscape value.

"The process allows for objections to be made and people should take advantage of it."

Andrew Moody, of Malvern Hills District Council planning department, said planning permission was not necessary if the mast was below 15ft.

"We don't consider health and access, we just have to look at the site and there is a good chance it will be given the go-ahead," said Mr Moody.

Tim Hearn, senior acquisitions manager for the applicant MK International, accused residents of "jumping the gun".

"We're still discussing various issues and haven't submitted the second application yet," he said.