PLANS to put a mobile phone mast in front of Edmund Wilson Pool have been criticised by members of City of York Council.

Councillors objected to mobile phone giant Hutchinson 3G's application to build a 41ft (12.5 metre) at the pool, and suggested they consider alternative options.

The company does not need planning permission to build on the City of York Council owned grass verge in Thanet Road, Acomb, as the mast is below 15m high.

But the council could object on grounds of visual impact on the surrounding area.

Members suggested investigating potential sites for the mast, such as the nearby Rugby Club, which already hosts other tall structures such as floodlights.

Other possibilities included the top of the swimming baths, on top of the existing mast in Shipton Road, Rawcliffe, or on top of the pool's chimney.

But that could mean the chimney being rebuilt because of health and safety regulations.

After the meeting, Coun Sue Galloway said: "I believe that not all the options have been investigated thoroughly. Only when those options have been investigated thoroughly would we be prepared to reconsider. Through the meeting it became apparent that at least one site had not been investigated thoroughly.

Chairman Coun John Boardman suggested afterwards that people were keen on having the signal coverage, but not the masts.

He said: "Personally, although I don't use a mobile phone, I find it difficult to object because people do use them.

"People don't want masts in their backyards, but they do want to use their mobile phones."

The council must present the objection in writing, by April 3, or Hutchinson 3G can put up the mast regardless.

Residents had until March 6 to voice objections - none were received.

Updated: 13:40 Friday, March 14, 2003