CONTROVERSIAL plans to erect a mobile phone mast at Grappenhall Cricket Club have been scrapped.

Disgruntled villagers mounted a campaign to stop phone giant Orange from building a 15-metre mobile phone mast, equipment cabin and fenced compound at the club on Broad Lane.

The cricket club was keen to strike a deal with Orange, which was prepared to offer financial assistance to the club if the plans were given the green light.

But the application was rejected by Warrington Borough Council's development control committee.

Club chairman Mike Tyerman told the GUARDIAN: "The application was turned down because of the visual impairment it would have caused.

"We have since discussed a simulated tree mast with Orange, but the cricket club committee met last week and we made the decision that there could still be problems and we do not want to pursue the matter."

Welcoming the news, parish councillor Cliff Taylor said: "I am very glad they have withdrawn the plan and I can only assume it's a reaction to public opinion.

"A lot of residents came to the parish council meeting and their concern wasn't just about the visual impact.

"They were very concerned about the health risks and there was a strong opposition to this.

"It is a very open site on the edge of the conservation area and would have been very detrimental to the village."

But Mr Tyerman insists that the proposals would have improved the club and facilities for youngsters in the village.

"We wanted the mast because of the income it would have provided for the club," he said.

"We were looking at getting about £3,000 a year, which would have been invested in the club and spent on schemes which would benefit this community.

"As far as I'm concerned the health risks with mobile phone masts are unproven and I have documents to back this up.

"At the end of the day, I'm sure many of these people have mobile phones. How do they expect to get a signal?"

Clr Taylor said that he respects the club for withdrawing the plans.

"We have had good relations with the club and we respect the job they do in the community," he said.

"I could see why the proposal was tempting, it's a great deal of money. I think they deserve a great deal of public respect for withdrawing the application."