PLANS by mobile 'phone company Vodafone to put a six-metre mast next to Kirkstone Quarry, Kirkstone Pass, have been recommended for approval by Lakes parish councillors.

The plans feature a stone and slate equipment cabin, and councillors heard the mast would help to improve mobile 'phone reception.

Clerk Robin Martakies said the mast would be very difficult to see.

More plans by Vodafone, for telecom equipment on a climbing hut at Dunmail Raise, were also recommended for approval.

Mr Martakies said the antennae would fill a gap in reception at Dunmail Raise, and they looked similar to old television aerials.

He said there would be no equipment cabin because the equipment would be housed in an existing generator room at the Achille Ratti Climbing Hut, on the A591.

Coun Elizabeth Braithwaite said: "If we have to have these wretched things, this is as good as any because it's not a great tower."

l Windermere Parish Council recommend Lake District planners make a site visit to the proposed location of a telecommunications mast.

Vodafone want to build the mast with three antennae, two dishes and equipment cabin at Applethwaite Quarry, Garburn Road.

Parish councillors expressed concern at the exposed site, and said there would need to be some screening around the mast.

Their comments will be forwarded to the Lake District National Park Authority, which will deal with the application.