RESIDENTS opposed to siting three mobile phone masts at a Yarm sports club have once again urged the club to scrap the plans.

An application by Hutchison 3G to erect a radio base station and three 12.5m wall-mounted masts at Yarm Sports and Social Club was refused by Stockton Borough Council in February.

But residents have continued to voice their opposition, fearing an appeal by Hutchison.

About a dozen residents, supported by borough councillors Brian Jones and Marjorie Simpson, attended a private meeting called by Yarm Sports and Social Grounds Trust on Thursday of last week.

They urged trust members to abandon the masts plan and seek funding from elsewhere.

Paul Thompson, chairman of the grounds trust, confirmed this week that no decision had been reached on whether to press ahead with the application.

He told the D & S Times: "Our next meeting is in June, and no decision will be made before then."

Michael Alexander, of Hutchison 3G, told last week's meeting that an appeal would not be made against the refusal of planning permission until after the club had made its decision.

Nick Oliver, one of the residents leading the protest against the masts, said: "My immediate thoughts were that the meeting was a positive step forward.

"The grounds trust stated that it would prefer to gain additional funds from other sources, rather than have the masts installed, and that it would consider residents' views before making any decision.

"However, on reflection, I believe that the trust has already made up its minds to take this money, and is just paying us lip service.

"It is evident that only a small number of members and the committee live locally, so all they can see is an easy way of making money with no effort.

"They are not really considering the safety of their adult members, juniors or local residents, even though they have appointed a child officer and have a child protection policy."

At a meeting of Yarm Town Council on Tuesday, members agreed to support the protestors, should the sports club decide to press ahead with its plans for the masts.

Coun Vicky Park said: "I've had a lot of people saying they will stop their children going to the club if these masts go up, so they will lose members."

Coun Simpson said: "All they can think about is the money they are going to get from it, but there are officers at Stockton Borough Council who are willing to look into getting grants for the club."