RESIDENTS are fighting plans for a 50ft communications mast near a picturesque village.

The mast has been proposed by a private company working on behalf of the Government.

It would be near the road from Great Edstone to Kirkbymoorside.

If approved by planners at North Yorkshire County Council, it would provide a faster internet connection for youngsters at Kirkbymoorside Primary School.

Residents in Great Edstone fear the mast would be a traffic hazard in high winds and would spoil the look of the village, which sits on a hilltop.

Simon Cooper, the clerk to Great Edstone Parish Council, said other less unsightly options should be investigated.

He said: "The mast would clearly be an eyesore and we are urging people to voice their opposition to this disastrous plan.

"If the 50ft mast is granted planning permission, then it will be placed by the side of a verge, which would be dangerous in high winds.

"In this day and age, there are ways of solving the problem by using less-visible means.

"We are not against Kirkbymoorside primary getting a better internet connection, but this can be done without destroying the beauty of our village."

Concerned villagers have held a public meeting to discuss the mast and have organised a petition.

Erik Matthews, the senior development control manager at the county council, said the authority had visited the site and was considering the application.

He said: "I welcome comments from members of the public and I would happily attend any public meeting the parish council hosts in the future."

The plans are expected to go before a county council committee next month.