Residents of a Liskeard estate are seething after a 29m (95ft) mast appeared at the town's train station over the weekend.

Network Rail has erected the mast as part of its plans to build a nationwide Railway Communications System which will enable direct communication between train drivers and signallers. The company, which is not required to seek planning permission for works carried out on the land it owns, contacted residents closest to the site in May and October and said it also sent letters to Liskeard Town Council and MP Sheryll Murray.

Trevillis Park resident Katie Swancutt, 27, was not informed of the plans despite others along her street being told.

She said: 'I woke up on Saturday morning and went to open my curtains as usual and without warning or consultation a 29m mast had appeared.

'After hearing the stories about Sandplace and Trewedna on the Falmouth branch line, I am amazed to see the "back door" technique used here in Liskeard as well. It is a monstrosity!'

Full story in this week's Cornish Times.