RESIDENTS fighting proposals to build mobile phone masts on a former water tower have won crucial backing.

Lewisham Council's planning committee is objecting to applications from Hutchison 3G and Vodafone, which want to put antennae on Ladywell Water Tower and an adjacent two-storey building, in Dressington Avenue, Ladywell.

Residents had been worried about the risks, especially as the tower is only 250m from Gordonbrock Primary School.

Resident Mandy Spencer, of Foxborough Gardens, who is a member of Residents Against the Mast, said: "There's not enough evidence other sites can't provide coverage."

The council refused Vodafone's applications on the grounds of potential health risks and detrimental impact on the appearance of the tower.

The council also decided to fight appeals from Hutchison 3G on similar grounds.

A Vodafone spokesman said: "The design is unobtrusive."

April 29, 2003 12:00