The protesters are blocking the entrance to the field

People living at Claines in Worcester are blockading a field on Cornmeadow Lane in an effort to stop Vodafone from erecting the temporary structure.

The city council's planning manager says he is still waiting for Vodafone to comply with regulations by setting out its proposals in writing.

Protester and resident Dr Malcolm Nixon predicts a "fairly messy showdown".

'No breach'

Because the mast is below 15m in height, Vodafone does not have to seek planning permission, but the firm is obliged to consult with the council and residents about the plans.

Worcester City Council's planning manager Peter Yates described Vodafone's failure to notify the authority in writing as "out of character".

But he said no breach of planning laws has been committed as the mast has not yet been put up.

I don't want my children to be used as a test case Dr Malcolm Nixon

Dr Nixon said preparation work at the field, which belongs to a local farmer, began late on 14 September.

Since 16 September, up to 20 residents have been using cars to block entrance to the land to Vodafone's contractors.

Dr Nixon said the police had advised the group that their actions were lawful, as long as they allowed the farmer to get into the field.

He promised the campaigners would man the barricade for "as long as it takes to get Vodafone to work within the law".

He added: "I don't want my children to be used as a test case and have somebody say years down the line: 'I'm sorry, we didn't get it right - phone masts are dangerous'.

"It would surprise me if we didn't have a fairly messy showdown."

Jane Frapwell from Vodafone said the council was aware of the company's plans for the mast, which she said would be removed within six months in any case.

She said: "We understand that people do have concerns and we'll continue our dialogue with the protesters."