A crunch meeting will go ahead tonight (Tuesday) over plans to put a mobile phone mast on top of a church belltower in Thorpe Bay.

People living near St Augustine's Church have launched a campaign against the mast, claiming it presents a health hazard.

Young mums in particular have called for more information about any potential health risks.

However, church leaders have said the BT Cellnet mast would provide £5,000 a year to St Augustine's upkeep.

Churchwarden Alf Smith, who has defended the church against accusations of "money-grabbing", said St Augustine's faced mounting bills with fears of a £15,000 shortfall.

The church has to send £50,000 to the Chelmsford diocese and it costs £1,256 a week to run the church."

Mr Smith added: "St Augustine's is 65 years old and we are told that we will soon have to replace the roof, which it is estimated will cost approximately £70,000."

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