Residents appear to have won their fight to halt moves to install a mobile phone mast on Clacton seafront.

Hutchison 3G UK wanted a site opposite the prestigious Gardens area of the resort to improve reception for customers, but the idea was strongly opposed by people living in the area.

More than 200 turned out at a public meeting, organised by St Paul's Residents' Association, and spoke out against the scheme.

Pierre Oxley, association chairman and a Tendring councillor, said he has now been informed that the firm is searching for alternatives and has dropped it previous proposals.

"I have checked with Tendring Council's planning department and no application has been submitted for the greensward," he said.

"Hutchison 3G has been informed the seafront is owned by the council and there is no likelihood of any permission being given for a mobile phone mast base station it is simply a non-starter."

No-one at Hutchison was available to comment.

Published Friday January 16, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette