FAMILIES in Fulford are celebrating today after a plan to build a mobile phone mast near their homes was thrown out by councillors.

Residents living around Heslington Lane claimed their victory over BT Cellnet as "a triumph for community spirit" - though the company is now considering an appeal.

Members of City of York Council's south area planning and transport committee unanimously agreed to reject the communication giant's proposal to build a mast at the junction of Broadway and Heslington Lane.

The meeting yesterday was packed with protesters objecting to the plan. They applauded as the committee made its decision.

Chaired by Labour councillor John Boardman, members decided the mast would have a negative visual impact and felt BT Cellnet had not comprehensively looked at siting it elsewhere.

Speaking before the vote, resident John Heawood, 69, of Eastward Avenue, said: "This mast would destroy our pleasant view, destroy amenity and destroy sight lines for motorists.

"This would be dangerous for them and for pedestrians, including literally hundreds of schoolchildren who cross the road here on the way to the sports centre.

"One person told me: 'If that post went up, whenever I went out, whenever I came in, it would be there to remind me'," he said.

Afterwards, campaigner Judi Legg, of Heath Moor Drive, said: "This decision is a triumph for community spirit.

"BT Cellnet approached this site expecting to be met by the weak and got a huge shock.

"This is a great day for all of us and now we hope we will see more awareness of the dangers from these masts."

Myrtle Robinson, 68, of Heath Croft, said: "This has been a tough fight and it has given us sleepless nights, but this decision makes it all worth while."

Selby MP John Grogan, who had also expressed objections to the mast plan, said: "I am delighted the plan has been rejected. Common sense always suggested there were other better sites in the area.

"I would now urge mobile phone companies to use better site planning in the future."

A spokeswoman for BT Cellnet said: "This site was carefully considered and is the best available option.

"The design we decided upon was designed to limit the visual impact. We are now considering an appeal."

Updated: 11:46 Friday, September 14, 2001