A bid to erect a 50ft phone mast in a residential street has prompted an angry response from the community.

A public notice has been published for the Telefonica mast, which would be the height of three-and-a-half double-decker buses and yards from homes, in Buckhurst Way, Buckhurst Hill, by PHA Comms.

It would be capable of transmitting signals 20 miles away and close to Buckhurst Hill Primary School and Bankcroft Rugby Club.

Despite no conclusive evidence that such masts are bad for health, some have raised concern over the long-term effects on children.

Mother-of-two, Jackie Holmes, said she discovered the notice rolled and taped to a lamppost when she returned from picking up her children from school.

“It’s lucky I even noticed it was there, it just happened to catch my eye.” She said.

“I am so angry at the underhanded way the notice was issued.

“I am horrified. The mast would be metres from my six-year-old daughter’s bedroom.

“If it affected her health in years to come and I didn’t speak out, I would never forgive myself.”

PHA comms has been contacted for comment.

For more on this story, see this week's Guardian - out Thursday