PLANS to put up a 25-metre high communication mast in Woodfalls have set off a wave of opposition.

Notices have been sent to villagers living near the site in Slab Lane, announcing proposals by the mobile phone company Orange to erect a metal tree mast complete with metal branches, holding three antennae and two dishes.

At ground level, ten equipment cabins are planned.

Villagers claim that on top of the mast will be a flashing red warning light, and the whole thing will be visible for miles around.

Julia Powell, who lives opposite the site, said: "This has not been advertised. No notices have been put up around the village.

"We knew about it when four residents received notices in the post."

Mrs Powell is organising help to circulate details of the application to villagers, urging them to write to Salisbury District Council to object.

She said: "It will be seen from the A338 Salisbury-to-Bournemouth road and from just about everywhere in Woodfalls."

Mrs Powell said the council had said comments must be received by December 25, in time for the appropriate committee to decide the application.