CAMPAIGNERS in Brierley Hill are claiming victory after plans for a controversial phone mast were refused.

The scheme, by telecoms giant O2 for Hillfields Road, would have meant the construction of a 12.5 metre mast on green space in a residential area near Peter’s Hill Primary School.

Announcement of the plan sparked a massive protest which resulted in the largest number of objections to a mast application ever seen by Dudley Council.

Campaign leaders from across the political spectrum hailed the decision as proof people power can triumph over big business.

Conservative councillor Adrian Turner said: “It is brilliant news, I am very happy we have been able to get a positive result.

“It was a cross-party issue where everybody had a common goal, the protest made a difference and focused everybody’s minds.”

Labour’s Cllr Pete Lowe added: “I am absolutely ecstatic, a victory for people power, it has been a pleasure to work with this community over the past three weeks.”

Dudley Council confirmed the refusal of the Hillfields Road mast and also O2’s withdrawal of two other mast applications in the Stourbridge area.

A spokesman for Dudley Council said: “The application was refused under delegated powers because the height and positioning of the equipment next to public open space would have a detrimental impact on visual amenities for nearby residents and members of the public.”

O2 say they will holding a further meeting with residents and looking at a range of options to extend their coverage in the area.

The company would not rule out appealing against the refusal of the Hillfields Road application.

Angela Johnson, O2 community relations manager, said: “We are disappointed the application has been refused, we had hoped to improve network coverage for now and in the future.

“This is an infill site to ensure people have got mobile coverage otherwise there would be a communications blackspot.

“We don’t build these masts unless we have to - they are incredibly expensive.”