A COUNCILLOR is campaigning to stop a 'lamppost style' phone mast being erected in Harper Green.

Mobile phone giants O2 have submitted a planning application to Bolton Council to install a 50-foot pole next door to the Flying Shuttle pub on Highfield Road.

But Councillor Carl Dennis has spoken out against the mast proposal which he says will create an eyesore.

He said: "It is not in keeping with the area to look out at a massive size lamppost like that.

"It will be totally out of character for this residential area."

And he added that the area was still waiting for tree planting to complete a previous traffic calming plan which would be affected by more "street furniture" like a phone mast.

Police have raised concerns that the mast could be attacked by vandals as it will be erected without a barrier to protect it.

But O2 insist that the mast is needed for better mobile phone coverage for residents in Highfield and New Bury, and along to the M61 towards Manchester.

Other sites were considered, including the rooftop of Dixon Green Labour Club, Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church on Plodder Lane and The Grapes Inn on Mossfield Road.

Cllr Dennis added: "There is already ample coverage for O2's network. We are trying to improve the community, not detract from it."

A spokesman for O2 said: "This location has been chosen as it does blend in with the street lamps and there will be tree screening to help the mast blend into the surroundings."