LEIGH residents and councillors have raised concerns about plans for a new 15 metre 5G mast which will “ruin one of the best public views in the borough”.

Plans have been submitted to Southend Council to “install a 15-metre slimline monopole” to provide “improved coverage and capacity, most notably in relation to 5G services”.

This would be located at the junction of Thames Drive and Belton Way West and Marine Parade in Leigh.

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Owen Cartey, Conservative councillor responsible for the West Leigh ward, said residents in close vicinity have been provided with a letter outlining the terms of the consultation.

He is urging residents to make their views heard and protect “one of the best views” in Southend.

Mr Cartey said: “This application will prove a complete slight on the landscape many of us enjoy in West Leigh.

“It will not only impact those residents who live along Marine Parade but prove a frustration to those of us who use the parade at our own leisure for running, dog walking or a casual stroll.

“It is incredibly important that we protect our view of the sea along Marine Parade. Why ruin one of the best public views in Southend?

“At its core Leigh is a coastal community and maintaining that connection between our residential areas in West Leigh with the sea is vital.

“Residents along Marine Parade are also frustrated that this site is being considered.”

In the plans, the applicant Cignal Infrastructure UK Limited has said the pole is “super slim” to address any “visual concerns”.

It stated: “The applicant appreciates how constrained this cell is and to address any visual concerns a super slim line monopole has been proposed at 15m.

“The mast will be positioned on a wide pavement verge, avoiding impeding pedestrian flow and allowing pedestrians to maintain unrestricted access to the footpath.

“There is now a requirement to upgrade the Cignal Infrastructure UK Limited network to provide improved coverage and capacity, most notably in relation to 5G services.”