PROTESTERS are pleading with the Deputy Prime Minister to help them stop a radio mast that would "devastate" a Malvern conservation area.

John Prescott is being asked to intervene in plans by Network Rail to build the 108-foot tall mast at the Great Malvern station as part of its new digital radio system.

Locals have been given the full backing of the Malvern Hills District Council. But the council says it can't do anything about the mast as it doesn't need planning permission - under the 1995 Town and Country Planning Act it is considered a permitted development.

"The plans, as they stand, would result in a massive radio mast towering over one of the most beautiful urban residential areas in Worcestershire and one of Britain's most historic railway stations," said council leader Tom Wells.

"The station alone is a listed building, which has been used by the likes of George Bernard Shaw, Sir Edward Elgar and also by the Emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie, when visiting his daughters who attended Malvern Girls College.

"On top of that, there is the fact that the development would overshadow Malvern Parish School."

Compensation

Network Rail has defended the plan by saying it's part of new safety measures in the wake of several high profile crashes, which have claimed a number of lives.

They also pointed out if the proposals are refused they would be entitled to compensation if they could prove business had been affected.

"Naturally, the last thing we would want to do would be to jeopardise the safety of rail and its passengers - nor do we want to land Malvern's taxpayers with a large compensation bill," added Coun Wells.

"But we would be failing in our duty to the people if we did not explore every possible avenue to try to find a better way of doing this.

"Network Rail says it isn't possible to have a smaller mast or relocate it, so we are left with no alternative but to go to John Prescott for help."

The proposal has been condemned by the Malvern Civic Society as "horrific".

Anyone who wishes to join the protest should write to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister at 26 Whitehall, London SW1A 2WH.

What do you think about the plan to site a radio mast at Great Malvern station? We want to hear your view. Write to You Say, Evening News, Berrows House, Hylton Road, Worcester WR2 5JX.