Mobile mast bid rejected

COUNCILLORS in Sunderland have refused plans for a mobile phone mast because it would be a blot on the landscape. BT Cellnet wanted to put up a 20-metre high mast in the grounds of the Fulwell Pumping Station, a Grade II listed building in Shields Road, to improve reception in the area and replace a mast at Monkwearmouth School. Councillors rejected the application after planning officials said the mast would be a "visually obtrusive and uncharacteristic feature" in the area.

GAS LEAK: Somerfield, at the Arnison Centre, Pity Me, Durham, was evacuated briefly yesterday after freezers were found to be leaking gas. Firefighters made the area safe.

ANNUAL MEETING: Ushaw Moor Community Association will hold its annual meeting on Thursday, March 21, in Deerness Valley Comprehensive School, in the village, at 7pm.

WARD SURGERIES: Durham City Labour ward councillors Craig Russell (Belmont), Mick Bennett and Joe Knight (Carrville) and Stephen Laverick and Pat Conway (Gilesgate Moor) will hold their surgery for constituents in Belmont Community Centre on Tuesday, at 7.15pm.

SHOW's OVER: Radio Derwentside, which used to operate a radio service from Shotley Bridge Hospital, has officially closed down. The station has not broadcast for three years. The Radio Derwentside Association management committee unanimously agreed to wind up the organisation and transfer its remaining funds to Durham University Hospital Radio.

HEALING SESSION: The National Federation of Spiritual Healers will hold a healing session on Saturday, at the Shakespeare Hall, in North Road, Durham City. The healers hold similar sessions every second and fourth Saturday of the month. Visitors are asked to donate to the non-profit making federation.

CLASH DANCE: A mini-dance residency named Clash will hold workshops for schools in Stanley Civic Hall next week. The group hopes to help children aged ten and over confront and deal with difficult situations rather than bottle-up emotions or become angry. The activities will conclude with a full stage performance. Four workshops are on offer on Tuesday. Inquiries should be made to (01207) 218894.

BOOK CELEBRATION: Waterstone's in Durham is inviting 22 Choristers' School pupils to the branch on World Book Day, next Thursday. They will take part in a storytelling session, treasure hunt and competitions.

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