RESIDENTS forced to live in the shadow of a 60ft phone mast after a council planning bungle have labelled the compensation offered to them an insult.

Phone company O2 gained automatic permission to put up the mast at the junction of Stonyshotts and Honey Lane, in Waltham Abbey, in 2006, after planning officers forgot to object in time.

After years spent unsuccessfully trying to remove the mast, the district council finally drew a line under the issue this week when it agreed to offer all 71 residents in the vicinity £250, but the payout has not pleased some.

Leon Williams, of Stonyshotts, said: “All the way through we've not wanted financial compensation we just want to get rid of the thing. It seems we've now lost that.

“£250 is an insult to be honest. I haven't spoken to any other residents since the decision but I can well imagine they might try to raise further objections.”

Andrew Keehner, of Stonyshotts, said: “I'd happily give the money back if the mast was removed. We want to get rid of it.

“It's done and dusted, it's a mistake and we are not happy with the final decision.”

He added: “I have to say the reaction of O2 was very disappointing. Once the council made the mistake their hands were tied really.”