MORE than 250 residents in Chadwell St Mary have signed a petition against plans for a new mobile phone mast.

People living in and around Sleepers Farm Road have united to voice their opposition to the application for the 12.5 metre mast by O2, adjacent to the Emmanuel Church.

Its up to Thurrock Council’s planning committee to grant or refuse permission.

Arthur Walters, 70, has been collecting signatures for the petition.

He said: “We don’t want this mast, its right on top of the church and its in a dangerous position with regards to traffic.

“There is a primary school nearby and there are always children in the church, which everyone is worried about for health reasons.”

The petition is set to be presented to the full council at the next meeting on Wednesday, August 3.