People power beats phone firm (From Malvern Gazette)

People power beats phone firm

7:53am Friday 1st February 2008

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PEOPLE power has won the day after a mobile phone company cancelled its plans to build a 40ft mast outside homes in Pickersleigh Road.

Hilda Forsyth, who has fought against the mast since Hutchinson 3G first sought planning permission in early 2007, could not believe it when she was told the plans had been withdrawn.

"I am absolutely over the moon about this," said the 77-year-old, who has lived in the road for 25 years. "To say that I have fought hard for this is a huge understatement.

"There were times when I was a bit doubtful whether I would win, but I was always resolute to fight until I could fight no more."

Although 3G's application was turned down by district planners following fierce local opposition, the mast was given the go-ahead after a successful appeal.

Even then Mrs Forsyth refused to give up hope, questioning the company's rights to build on the land as her deeds showed the sub-soil belonged to her.

Finally, after more than a year of lengthy phone calls and sleepless nights, she received the news she had been waiting for.

"I couldn't believe it when my solicitor told me," she said. "This will have cost me a considerable amount of money, and as a pensioner I don't have bottomless pockets, but it will have been worth it.

"People are asking me what I will do now. I've done more work this last 12 months than I did when I was earning a living."

3G spokesman William Comery confirmed there were no current plans to build on the site.

"We've received letters and copies of various deeds and papers supporting Mrs Forsyth's case, and we will obviously consider those," he said.

He added the company was still considering its options for providing the best coverage in the area, and that proposals to network share with T-Mobile may hold the answers.

"It will take several months to see how that can be done," he said. "It is now a matter of waiting until that process is over to see whether we do need any additional sites."

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