RESIDENTS were celebrating today after a mobile phone company agreed not to site a 40ft mast in the heart of their York community.

Selby MP John Grogan revealed today that O2 has agreed to withdraw its application to put a mast at the junction of Heslington Lane and Broadway, in Fulford.

This has come about as a result of Mr Grogan discovering that the firm had not complied with a planning code of conduct.

The code, which was drawn up between the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the telecommunications industry, requires companies to undertake extensive consultation with local people before making a planning application.

Mr Grogan, who broke the news to overjoyed campaigners at Fulford Social Hall, said: "They told me that they did consult City of York Council, but that in itself does not fulfil the code. As a result, they have agreed to withdraw the application from the planning committee.

He said: "Clearly there is a need for mobile phone masts in York, but it is important that all codes are observed. I will be suggesting to the council that in the future, when mobile phone companies want to place masts in residential areas, they let local people know at an early stage before any application is made."

The application was first submitted to City of York Council in 2001, but was unanimously rejected on the strength of objections.

But, without the knowledge of residents, a Government inspector overturned the decision in June 2002. This only came to light when O2 made a new application to upgrade any future mast to allow 3G coverage.

Fulford parish councillor Judi Legg called the news "absolutely wonderful", and said: "I couldn't have been happier if I had won the Lottery. It just shows what a community can do if it pulls together."

Heath Moor Drive resident Myrtle Houghton, 72, who had vowed to move if the mast was erected only yards from her front door, said: "I am absolutely over the moon. Let's hope our jubilation is not premature."

An O2 spokeswoman said they would continue to look at potential mast sites around York.

"We already have planning permission on this site, and our application was for an equipment upgrade," she said.

"We have withdrawn this application, but at a later point we may either resubmit or exercise existing rights.

"Before we do that, we will consult local people."

Updated: 09:50 Saturday, February 07, 2004