RESIDENTS were able to see what a mobile mast might look like near their homes with a replica model.

Phone company Vodaphone put up the 20-metre metal structure with a flag on the top in Clifton Road, Parkstone for people to look at.

A drop-in session was also held at St Luke's Church Hall for people to give their comments on the mast, which would have three antennae and a disc.

If the mobile company decides to go ahead with the plan, an application will be submitted to the Borough of Poole in October.

Jane Frapwell from Vodaphone, who was at the drop-in session, said: "This is to give people a visual idea of how it will look in relation to the trees.

"We do this when concerns about visual impact are raised, particularly in rural settings."

The mast is for mobiles in the area to get new services, such as Broadband and video messaging.

Vodaphone has two ideas for the real mast - a slim-line timber-clad pole or a "Scots Pine pole" which is a mock tree, with antenna hidden in the foliage, to blend in with surrounding trees.

Many residents are not happy about the proposals as they say the mast will ruin the view and destroy the value of the houses in the area.

They are also concerned about claimed dangers posed to health by the waves from the mast.

First published: Sept 9