A RENFREW councillor has slammed the decision to install a giant mobile phone mast in the heart of a residential community.

Jane Strang says local people are up in arms about the 20-metre pole which went up last month in the town’s Deanpark Road.

The Conservative councillor for Renfrew North and Braehead has described the giant mast as an “overbearing presence” and questioned why local people weren’t consulted about it beforehand.

Constituents have also branded the mobile phone equipment as an eyesore and expressed concerns about it being so close to Renfrew High School in nearby Haining Road.

The pole was erected on January 25 and replaced a smaller 15-metre construction.

Councillor Strang added: “Phone masts are important in order to boost phone signal, but they must be placed in appropriate areas.

“I share concerns from local residents that this mast is overbearing and substantial in a residential area, near to Renfrew High School.

“They should have been fully consulted over these proposals rather than suddenly seeing this mast taking up a major spot in the community.

“I would have thought Renfrewshire Council’s planning department would have been involved in this process but it appears this didn’t even need to get permission.

“While it is unlikely the mast will now be taken down, there is a need to fully explain the decision to choose this location to local residents.”

Renfrewshire Council insist the mast is in line with current legislation and does not require planning permission.

A spokesman said:”Our planning team have no control over the installation of the new equipment.”

One local woman, Lynsey McAdam McAleney, posting on social media, said:”It’s a complete eye sore and not really suitable for a residential area.”