Residents who formed a human shield against a mobile phone mast have been told other sites are being considered.

Hutchison 3G wants to install a 10m high phone mast in Lethe Grove, Colchester. It won planning permission last year.

But residents in the street are fighting to stop the firm in its tracks. Earlier this year they formed a human blockade and used cars to stop diggers moving on to the site.

Ward councillor Terry Sutton has discussed alternative sites with the company, near the current site and also at park farm, which Hutchison has agreed to consider.

However, the company said Lethe Grove is the preferred site. It has agreed to meet with residents in the near future to discuss the situation.

Mr Sutton (Lib Dem, Berechurch) said: "Hutchison are being a bit more understanding because residents are holding things up and they are reconsidering their position."

The company won planning permission because Colchester Council, which initially rejected the scheme, failed to let Hutchison 3G know by the required date

Published Friday, June 13, 2003

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