A mobile phone mast could be put up in sports fields at Braintree Hockey Club in a bid to meet a funding shortfall for a new clubhouse and pitch.

Club bosses say they have no option but to back the proposals from mobile phone giants, Hutchison 3G, at the Church Street ground as they are desperately in need of funds for repairs.

Braintree Council will make the decision on the plans to replace an existing floodlight pole with an 18.7metre telecommunications pole with floodlights, three antennas and equipment cabins mounted on to it.

The refurbishment works need to take place next year, when the pitch's ten-year lifespan will run out, and the work will cost between £150,000 and £200,000.

In another bid to raise funds, the club has submitted a planning application for 24 flats with parking and a clubhouse in October, but these were refused by Braintree Council. The club has appealed against the decision.

Mr Hanley said: "It's not an ideal option but what other choice do we have?

"The time is getting nearer to replace our pitch and we have to look at ways of generating funding."

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Published Tuesday, September 20, 2005

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