RESIDENTS of Birtsmorton objecting to plans for a tele-communications mast in the village have formed a working party with BT to discuss the matter.

The move follows a public meeting held last Thursday at Castlemorton Village Hall.

A number of residents were outraged when BT Quadrant attempted to erect the mast the previous Saturday at the village's telephone exchange.

Although BT did not need planning permission for the work, it backed down when confronted by Malvern Hills District Council planning officer David Murray and local councillor Bryan Smith.

At the meeting, a team of BT representatives explained the need for the mast, which is part of the Airwave next-generation communication system for the police, and Mr Murray talked about the planning situation.

Coun Smith said: "It was well attended. There were about 40 members of the public there, which is pretty good for a small parish like Birtsmorton, and shows how strongly people feel about it.

"The meeting chose three local residents who will work with BT on finding a new site for the mast."

BT spokesman Paul Dorrell said the meeting was "very positive and extremely useful".

"We hope to find a solution which will satisfy the residents and the needs of the Airwave system."