TOWN residents, up in arms over a proposal to fix mobile phone antennae and dishes to a metal chimney at the Princess of Wales Hospital, live to fight another day after a decision was deferred this week.

Mobile phone giants Orange want to install a telecommunication base station at the Stourbridge Road hospital.

But the plan was deferred at a meeting of Bromsgrove District Council's planning committee on Monday.

The decision to fix three antennae and three transmission dishes, has been put on hold until residents, who have set up a petition against the proposal, have met up with the company.

The residents are worried that the scheme will harm the appearance of the area and create radiation.

One concerned Elm Grove resident said: "If the proposal goes ahead it will completely block the view from my bedroom window and devalue our properties. Not only that, there is the health aspect involved as well.

"Although nothing has been proved, nothing has been disproved either."

Deputy planning committee chairman, Edward Tibby (Con-Whitford) said: "We will arrange a meeting between Orange and the local residents so they can discuss their concerns and worries."

A spokesperson for Orange said: "We acknowledge public concern regarding the siting of transmitters, however, there is no conclusive evidence that makes a link between exposure to radio waves, transmitter masts and long term public health risks. Orange will continue to operate within the standards set by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection."