THE recent refusal of plans to extend the telephone mast at the town's water tower has been labelled "a triumph for Droitwich".

Town councillor and planning committee chairman Richard Morris, who campaigned for the plans to be turned down, spoke of his delight at a town council meeting this week.

"Thanks to Wychavon District Council for strongly refusing the development on the mast," said Councillor Morris (Con, South East).

The application by phone giants Hutchinson's 3G to add its equipment to the already overloaded Yew Tree Water Tower was turned down by Wychavon last month.

Coun Mike Barratt (Con, South East) said: "This is the third time they have come forward for extension to the mast and each time they have been refused.

"The first time they appealed, the second time they didn't. I would be very surprised if they came back."

Coun Morris also talked about the report from the planning committee outlining guidelines for future decisions.

While the report has no legal powers, it outlines how the town council feels about planning issues such as extensions to telephone masts, should they arise.

"The guidance is a proactive way to ensure that we have a view on things before they come up rather than be reactive when they happen," said Coun Morris.

Many councillors agreed the report was a positive step.

Coun Terry Spencer added: "We can't move the world but at the end of the day these things are here to be changed. Hopefully we can contribute to new rules and regulations."