Prudhoe North councillor Angie Scott has urged the Northumberland County Council to think again before granting permission for a 30 metre (98 feet) phone mast which will be near the Tyne Riverside Country Park.

The planning application was accepted by the council in April and has gained 14 objections by the public.

Councillor Scott said: “There is a smaller existing mast near the proposed site on the Gladstone Parking Facility but it is hidden by trees and vegetation. This one is substantially higher and is basically going to stick out like a sore thumb.

“There are significant heritage structures nearby such as the Prudhoe footbridge which is a grade II listed structure as well as the Ovingham Conservation Area. A mast like this would become a very unattractive focal point for the area.

“The area is attractive to visitors on foot as well as by car or train. It shouldn't become famous for all the wrong reasons by having this blot on the landscape.

“We understand that phone masts are needed in the modern world but much greater consideration must be given to both the design and the impact on the surrounding landscape.

“We know some residents are not happy with the proposals and we'd urge the county council to think again before granting permission for this disastrous project to go ahead.”