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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