BRITISH Telecom and people living in Robin Hood's Bay are in deadlock over a new telegraph pole.

BT is seeking permission from the North York Moors National Park Authority to erect a replacement 15-metre high pole in the fishing village, but residents have said that the existing one is already an eyesore.

They are calling for the wires to be laid underground but BT says that because of the extra cost, residents would have to help pay for it.

Now, the objectors have been backed by the parish council. Chairman Will Terry said "It is wrong that householders should have to pay extra for underground cables when we already pay heavily for BT's service."

Chief planning officer Val Dilcock is to go back to BT to explore other solutions.