Network rail has vowed to press ahead with plans to install a 60ft mast close to homes, despite residents' anger.

Residents in Lincoln Road, Dorking, are annoyed at the plans for the communications aerial at Dorking railway station because they say it will blight stunning views of Box Hill.

But Network Rail has so far ignored calls to move the tower away from homes.

Nick O' Shea, of Lincoln Road Residents Association, blasted the decision as "arrogant".

He said: "Where it will be is smack in front of the view of Box Hill."

He continued: "They say they need it for safety but it is a rather arrogant way of going about it."

Fellow resident Christina Bass, 43, of Lincoln Road, said: "It is horrible. It is going to entirely spoil our view. I heard that they could not have it at the other end because of Friends Provident, but why can't they put it where there are no houses and wouldn't spoil our view?"

Robert Norrington, 57, also of Lincoln Road, said: "I think it is insensitive because, quite frankly, it is a beauty spot and we like to look at Box Hill from here. We can't stop them putting it up but I would like to see it re-sited."

David Taylor, 42, said: "It is a bit annoying that they want to put it down this end but I supposed there is method in their madness. If you try and say anything about it to them it is a bit like banging your head against a brick wall."

Network Rail said it looked at a number of options for locating the mast but said the site nearest Lincoln Road was the most suitable. A Network Rail spokesman said: "The site at Dorking, which was selected in consultation with the planning officer at Mole Valley district council, is the only one which meets all our requirements to install, operate and maintain the communications mast and which was acceptable to the council."

Mole Valley District Council said Network Rail did not need permission to install the mast.