Residents in Bewdley have lost the battle over controversial plans to site a telephone mast in the town. They said the eyesore mast would ruin views of the historic area.

But today there was a consolation in defeat after the go-ahead was given for a 32 ft, instead of a 59ft, mast.

Independent Inspector Andrew Pykett, in a report to Wyre Forest District Council, said he had given the go-ahead for the mast to be erected at The Racks at Bark Hill, Bewdley, subject to a landscaping scheme being agreed.

In the report, the inspector said he had taken note that Telephonica O2 UK Ltd had originally submitted an application to erect a 59ft mast.

This was thrown out by the council after an outcry from residents who said it would spoil the landscape and views of the town.

An application for a 32ft mast was also refused by the committee.

However, Inspector Pykett, in his report published today, said that there had been an existing mast on the land.

He said: “It would be smaller and more orderly than the existing mast and I do not believe it would give rise to the cluttered effect on the character and appearance of the area which the council fears.”