As many residents continue to complain about the installation of masts by telecoms companies across the borough, pictures show a new 5G mast in an Oldham park.

Images show a tall, white mast on Chadderton Hall Road, adjacent to Chadderton Hall Park , with a white box next to the mast's base.

Oldhamers have expressed a range of concerns around the erection of masts across the borough, and one such concern has been their appearance.

One resident of Denbydale Way in Royton, John Perris, described the masts as "monstrosities" while another resident of the same road, Elaine Howard, described the infrastructure as "unsightly".

Both John and Elaine also complained that many areas where the masts are being installed already have access to broadband services through underground cabling.

The masts can be erected without any need for planning permission and with minimal consultation of residents due to the permitted development rule.

Permitted development rights allow companies to carry out certain types of work without going through the process they would typically have to go through.

Now, MP for Oldham West and Royton Jim McMahon has criticised the government for not consulting with residents over the masts.

The shadow secretary for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs said: "The roll of 5G mobile phone coverage is important to keep Britain connected, but it’s clear that communities are left powerless to minimise the visual harm these huge cabinets and masts have.

"The lack of community consultation in the siting of 5G masts is wrong. They are large, intrusive and although they do need to be placed in order to improve the service – working with and not against the local community could strike a better balance.

"The government can do much more to give communities a voice but seem indifferent to the impact being felt when so little consideration is given."