JUBILANT West Kirby residents are celebrating victory over telecom giants 02 after plans for construction of a mobile phone mast in the town were thrown out.

Wirral planning committee refused permission for a 15m high telecommunications mast and ancillary equipment to be built in Orrysdale Road, West Kirby.

West Kirby Cllr Jeff Green said the proposed mast would be five metres higher that existing street lights and, with 1.5m high cabinets added to the mast, it would create clutter and be a visual eye-sore.

Anti-mast campaigner Kate Evans said: "I have real concerns about the health implications caused by the use of these masts. It's a pity the Government will not allow the council to refuse applications of health grounds.

"Unfortunately because of the current system there is a presumption in favour of development which over-ride local, environmental and safety concerns. On this occasion common sense prevailed."

The 02 company has the right to appeal against the planning committee decision.

Protestors in Meols have another mast fight on their hands after 02 submitted a third application to sight a tower near to Kingsmead School in Bertram Drive.

Two previous applications have been thrown out by Wirral council planners.


From Mast Network