PLANS to use a phone mast to enhance emergency services have been rejected following residents' objections.

BT Airwave applied to Easington District Council for permission to establish a public safety radio communications service to cover the area.

Dedicated to the fire, ambulance, police and other blue light services, it would have resulted in significant improvements to their communications systems.

But to implement it, BT Airwave wanted to add three antennae to an existing mast at Peterlee Football Club ground, in Eden Lane, increasing its height by 1.3m.

It also wanted to build a further equipment cabin in addition to those serving Dolphin and T Mobile, which already use the mast.

But the plans met opposition from residents, who submitted a 121-signature petition and 15 letters of objection. They said they had not been consulted when the mast was initially installed, that it was too close to homes and schools, and that it posed a potential health hazard.

The residents called for the mast to be taken down.

After a report recommended that the application be approved, councillors took the decision to reject it.