Construction workers building a new mobile phone mast in Leicester are refusing to go to work because they are being harassed and intimidated. Workers fitting the 15-metre receiver on Bonney Road in New Parks have called in police because they claim they are being threatened by protestors.
The mast for O2 has already been approved by the city council.
Residents have started a petition against the mast, but say they have not intimidated workers.
The mast is being built on a traffic island close to two schools.
Spokesperson for O2, Angela Johnson, said: "Our work has been disrupted by a small number of irresponsible people who have damaged our meter cabinet on three occasions by kicking it in and by intimidating our contractors.
"They have been threatening the contractors by standing there saying there is no way they will allow this site to be built."
Residents claim the first they heard about the 15-metre high structure was when construction started.
The city council say 11 houses, which overlook the site, were sent letters about the application for the mast in July and no objections were raised, although some residents have since complained to them.
Leicestershire Police said they were called to a disturbance at the site but no protestors were present when they arrived.
A policeman said they will continue to monitor the situation.
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They have been threatening the contractors by standing there saying there is no way they will allow this site to be built 
