RESIDENTS are breathing a sigh of relief after a communications firm withdrew an application for a telephone mast.

Hutchinson 3G had expressed a wish to erect the mast on Durham's Langley Moor Industrial Estate.

Under present laws governing phone masts, the company did not need formal planning permission because the mast was under 15m.

But the proposal sparked widespread objections from Durham City councillors, members of Langley Moor Parish Council and residents.

More than 300 people signed a petition, and several wrote letters calling for it to be scrapped.

Now, because of contractual problems with the site's owner, Hutchinson has complied with their wishes.

The firm is looking at alternative sites for the mast - and this time hopes to find one that residents approve of.

Liberal Democrat ward councillor Richard Ormerod said he was delighted with the outcome.

"This was not simply a knee-jerk, 'not in my back yard' protest, but one which arose out of genuine concern for health and the appearance of the area," he said.

"On behalf of the residents of Langley Moor, I would like to thank Hutchinson 3G for withdrawing their application to erect a telecommunications mast on the Langley Moor Industrial Estate."

Coun Ormerod said that while he was still slightly concerned about the prospect of a high-powered mast anywhere in Langley Moor, he was pleased that this time, local people will have an input on its location.

"Obviously, people want to use mobile phones and these masts have to go somewhere," he said.

"But they need to be sited with a bit more sensitivity than the proposal.

"I'm pleased that Hutchinson is in consultation with local people and councillors about it. It seems as though the company is going to be reasonably accommodating to local people's needs."

Ben Strutt, community relations manager for Hutchinson, said: "One of our primary objectives is having full and frank consultations with anyone who is interested.

"We are committed to talking to people, explaining things and listening to their concerns.

"I'm glad this seems to have worked out well."