A BIRTSMORTON landowner has withdrawn consent for a phone mast on his land after pressure from local residents.

Vodafone planned to erect the 15-metre mast between Coombe Green and Rye Cross but Clive Roads called a halt after receiving letters from residents concerned about the mast's effect on health and its visual impact.

Roger Gillard, deputy leader of Birtsmorton Parish Council wrote to Mr Roads about the plans.

"I received a letter back saying he had decided to abort the mast and has informed Vodafone accordingly," said Mr Gillard. "As far as we're now aware that's the end of the matter."

Last week, the parish council held a public meeting about the mast. West Worcestershire MP Sir Michael Spicer visited the site on Saturday to talk to villagers.

Mr Gillard said villages in the area were working together to make sure any masts were sited away from homes and had minimum visual impact.

In Cradley, Vodafone already has permission to erect a 21-metre mast on land near Stifford's Bridge, owned by parish council chairman Michael Allfrey. Herefordshire Council gave consent despite a 220-name petition objecting to the plan. People opposed to the mast feel it would be too near a new school and could affect children's health.

A protest due to take place outside the school site on Monday did not go ahead. Instead, a meeting was held where 11 local residents asked Mr Allfrey not to let Vodafone go ahead.

Mr Allfrey said: "As far as I know the contract is unretractable. The thing is signed and sealed and that's it. They're whistling in the dark to think otherwise."