PRESSURE is mounting for a vital mobile phone mast to be built on the Snake Pass.

Police recently called for a mast to be built as not even the emergency services can get a signal at its summit.

But the Peak Park Authority say the area needs ‘special protection’ and have refused to grant planning permission.

Sandra Atkin runs the Snake Pass Inn, the nearest property to the summit, where stranded motorists regularly seek sanctuary.

"I would say people break down there at least twice a week and that’s just the ones who come here," she said."They arrive quite frantic because they’ve either had to walk on the road which is very dangerous or get a lift with someone they don’t know. I don’t know what people do when we’re closed or away, you could be out there for hours.  They took the emergency roadside phones out years ago — we don’t know why — so the only telephone box is outside the pub and that’s always broken."

Calls for a mast have been backed by local residents and motorists as well as the emergency services and Glossop Mountain Rescue.

Sandra said she fears the communications blackspot will end up costing someone their life.

"There are a lot of accidents where the first 10 minutes are crucial," she added."If there was a mobile phone reception you could get the emergency services straight away, but at the moment you lose vital time. They also want you to give details of what’s happening and tell you what you can do which is difficult when you’re not there. It’s ridiculous and I don’t think any objection can be strong enough. It might be a blot on the landscape but if it’s going to save lives that’s not relevant."

A spokesman for the Peak Park Authority, who have refused four applications for a mast, said: "Our main priority is to protect the countryside for the benefit of the nation.

"Phone masts have been approved either side of the Snake Pass, but it’s our duty to protect these areas for current and future generations."