East Sussex villagers say plans for a 23-metre radio mast near a school and a beauty spot are outrageous.

The police Tetra antenna would be sited in Brinkers Lane, near Wadhurst, on the borders of an area of outstanding natural beauty and close to Uplands Community College.

Police say it is a vital piece of technology which would provide modern communication links and would remain on the site for two years.

Emissions would be kept well within guidelines for radio masts.

But opponents are angry about the proposals.

Jonathan Rowe, from Wadhurst, said: "A planning application was made on November 28 and 30 houses in Brinkers Lane were notified by Wealden District Council and nobody else."

He said campaigners had three main gripes with the mast proposal - its size, a lack of consultation with residents and the potential health implications.

Mr Rowe said: "It's sited in the village near the community college and it's going to be a blot on the landscape. It's outrageous it has been suggested in the first place."

Campaigners took to the streets on Saturday to rally support against the mast.

Mr Rowe said he had a total of 350 letters of objections to hand over to the council before the consultation deadline on Friday.