UK town outraged by plastic Orange tree

The residents of Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire, England, have reacted angrily to a telecommunications mast proposed by mobile operator, Orange.

To calm their fears, Orange agreed to disguise the mast as a Scots Pine tree. However, the residents were further incensed by the idea, calling it an insult to their intelligence.

According to local paper, the Beaconsfield Advertiser, Orange tried without success to site the mast in a nearby area last year. One local businessman said: "If they feel they need to build a mast, then I guess the best solution is to try and hide it. There are already a couple around here anyway. I don't see why they can't share them."

Orange refused to comment on why it requires a mast in Beaconsfield, only saying that the site was only chosen after careful research, when no other viable site was available. However, it is understood that the geography of the area has degraded the reception for local mobile phone users.

The newly reformed Wattleton Park Action group - the lobby group formed last year to oppose the mast - is believed to have threatened to write to Prince Charles, requesting that he intervene on their behalf.

However, a Palace spokeswoman explained that the Prince is on holiday for the next two weeks. "All letters are given an answer," she explained. "But as it is the holiday period, this one may take a little time."

The Prince of Wales' intervention may not be needed in the end, as a town council planning meeting rejected the proposal last Thursday night. The matter will be referred to South Bucks district council for final approval.