A CAMPAIGNER today slammed a Suffolk council for using a second class stamp to reject a mobile phone mast plan.Mid Suffolk District Council has admitted failure to use a first class stamp meant the letter rejecting the plan did not arrive on time.

A CAMPAIGNER today slammed a Suffolk council for using a second class stamp to reject a mobile phone mast plan.

Mid Suffolk District Council has admitted failure to use a first class stamp meant the letter rejecting the plan did not arrive on time. This meant construction of a 12-metre mast was able to go ahead.

Now Stowupland is lumbered with a third mobile phone mast – and villagers want it moved.

Colleen Rose, of Thorney Green Road, has forwarded a 28-strong petition to the ombudsman.

She said: "It's been a bit of a cock-up and it should be taken down.

"The bottom line is somewhere along the line someone has made a mistake and it's not good enough. We want it moved."

Her move was backed by Stowupland parish councillor Patrick Bewley who called for Mid Suffolk to be penalised for the blunder.

David Ellis, head of environment and planning at Mid Suffolk, admitted the deadline was missed.

He said: "The rejection was posted and faxed but it missed the deadline by a day.

"But we would point out that this is pretty sharp commercial practise by Hutchison 3G. They've taken advantage of every possible legal loop hole to put this up."

He confirmed the matter would now be investigated by the ombudsman.

David Ruffley MP, who represents the area, is also investigating the matter.

He said: "We're just going round in circles. I'm determined to get to the bottom of this and ensure the matter is fully investigated as soon as possible.

"I'm not prepared to let this matter drag on."