MORE than 50 angry residents gathered to protest against plans for a new mobile phone mast near their homes.

Residents living around The Spinney, an area of open space in Lodge Lane, Grays, made placards and made their feelings clear in a demo, which also involved ward councillors.

They also handed Grays councillor Peter Harris a petition signed by 200 people. Mr Harris said: “A single mast would ruin The Spinney, which is a lovely open area with trees. Where you get one mast, you often end up with a forest of them.”

The mast was originally destined for the Treacle Mine roundabout, but planning permission was refused.