CONCERNS have been raised over plans to put up a 15-metre phone mast at the Knap in Barry.

Vodafone confirmed it is undertaking a pre-application consultation after identifying a need to improve coverage for customers in Barry.

Sharon Richards, who owns The Bridge Café, at The Knap, Barry, said she was concerned about how a mast would affect people in the area.

She said: “I think I will be boarding the premises up if it goes ahead.”

Neighbouring trader Alicia Mazey of Romilly’s cafe also expressed concerns.

She said: “This is an area of natural beauty. Knap Gardens is billed as 'an oasis of calm', it has a Green flag. It’s going to be an eyesore.”

Vale and town councillor, Steffan Wiliam said mobile signal in the area needed to be improved, but added: “I am concerned the proposed mobile mast is in such a visually prominent position especially as its 15 metres high.

"We leafleted the local area and urge people to tell us their views."

A Vodafone spokeswoman said: “Vodafone and O2 customers expect to be able to use their mobiles and devices where they live, work and travel.

"Base stations are low powered devices which cover approximately half a mile in radius. We have to put base stations close to our customers.

"Vodafone and O2 identified that they need to improve the coverage to their customers in Barry and have proposed a base station at The Knap."

A Vale council spokesman said: “The Vale of Glamorgan Council granted Vodafone permission to dig trial holes at the site in question, but we have received no planning application to install a phone mast there. If one is submitted, it would be considered in the same way as any other proposal of its type.

"The location is within a conservation area and that fact would be taken into account.”