A PHONE mast which was rejected on appeal has resurrected fear amongst residents who are in the dark about the company’s future plans.

Fingringhoe residents appealed to MP for Harwich and north Essex, Bernard Jenkin, for backing after reports of a telecommunications company trying to engage with land owners.

They are now demanding clarification from the Wireless Infrastructure Group (WIG), the company whose tower bid was rejected by Colchester Council., and suspect a more “under-handed” approach from the firm.

Mr Jenkin promised to facilitate a meeting between all parties, including the parish council.

He said: “People are entitled to know what’s going on. It’s all very well decisions being made before planning applications go in but people are entitled to be involved in the decision.

“The company involved must be transparent and open.

“I will be getting in touch with WIG, the mast provider, and land owner Anglian Water which I’m sure will do its best to engage with residents.”

Access arrangements and preserving the Colne Valley landscape are two of the biggest concerns surrounding the 25m tower, which could go on land in Church Road.

Colchester Council rejected the appeal in January because of the effect it would have on the character and appearance of the village.

Despite this residents are seeing more of a presence from telecommunications and power companies.

Resident Irene Miettinen said: “We’re not aware of a further application being made but we’re aware of approaches to land owners to allow cables.

“Our thinking is, this is being doing in preparation to service a tower.”

Neighbour Jennifer Parker added: “Why do we need another mast?

“The WIG tower proposal was rejected by 19 other parishes before CBC.”

“Apparently these masts knock out coverage in the immediate vicinity so by having a large mast we will lose coverage in Fingringhoe.”

In its objection of the original application, Fingringhoe Parish Council wrote it had not been consulted by WIG.

Chairman Gerald Ketley wants to safeguard the village from a “monstrosity”.

He said: “We’ve gone through all the planning issues and the application was opposed so I feel this has become quite under-handed. As a parish council we’ve not been notified of what’s happening.

“This is near a permanent footpath, which would seize to function, and we’re very concerned this mast could be pushed through without due consultation.”

A spokesman for Wireless Infrastructure Group said: “Wireless Infrastructure Group seeks to improve local connectivity for all residents and local businesses by building communications towers that are offered on an open access basis to all mobile operators.

"The application in this case was for a new tower at the Wivenhoe Sewage Works to enable EE and in the future other mobile operators to provide services in the local area.

"EE is currently operating from a temporary site which will expire shortly, leaving all EE customers without coverage in the area.

"We will be reviewing this situation in the New Year and if another application is proposed then all stakeholders would be informed including the local MP. We will know more in the New Year.”