The Battle of Fyfield - over the location of a 38ft telecom mast - has ended in victory for villagers.

Campaigners have been told that the mast plus dish aerials will not be sited in the most picturesque part of the village close to Dr Walker's Primary School and homes.

Now Orange, the company seeking to improve mobile phone reception in the area, is looking for other sites.

And one of them could be inside the spire of the local church.

Local councillor Doug Kelly, who presented a 170 signature petition to Epping Forest District Council last week, said: "I'm delighted: it just shows that community action can work for the benefit of the community."

The height of the proposed mast means that Orange does not need planning permission but planners can issue a Telecommunication Determination Order to alter its position if there is enough opposition.

Cllr Kelly said: "Other sites which could be considered are the church spire, on land near Fyfield Hall where there is already a disused mast and on the former Willingale airfield.

"It's not that we're against a mast that will improve reception as such but where in the village Orange wanted to put it."

Brentwood and Ongar MP Eric Pickles also contacted Orange to prevent the mast going on the original site.

He said: "Villagers are taking a responsible attitude, accepting that with the growth of telecommunications there's a need for such masts; the actual location is the main concern."

A council spokesman said: "The planning department has objected to the location of the mast and is willing to discuss all proposals for its resiting including those from the parish council."

Orange, which has a policy of not discussing individual masts, said: "We make every effort to minimise the environmental impact by working with the local planning authority."

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